Real Madrid star Rodrygo said Brazil needs Neymar if they want to aim for a record six World Cup titles in 2026.
The 23-year-old, who scored a first-half goal to give Brazil a 1-0 win over Ecuador on Friday to end their three-match losing streak in CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, said Neymar was key to Brazil’s success.
“He is our star, our best player,” Rodrygo said in an exclusive interview with ESPN Brasil. “Everyone can see how much he is missed. Neymar is healthy, that’s what we all want, (and) he is in the final stages of his recovery. We want him back as soon as possible.”
Five-time world champions Brazil lost two games in a row against Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina at the end of last year and were sixth in the table after six rounds. With Friday’s win, Brazil now has 10 points and is in fourth place. On Tuesday they will face Paraguay in Asuncion.
The all-time Brazilian top scorer in men’s football underwent surgery to repair injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee in Brazil on November 2, 2023.
The former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star, who moved from PSG to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal for 90 million euros in the summer of 2023, was injured in Brazil’s defeat to Uruguay in World Cup qualifying in October 2023.
He has previously suffered lengthy injury layoffs, including multiple injuries to his right ankle and foot, which forced him to miss six weeks of play in 2021 as well as Brazil’s victorious 2019 Copa América campaign.
Rodrygo said he is in contact with Neymar and considers him an idol.
“We always write to each other. He is now training with the group again,” said Rodrygo. “He is a great teammate. It makes me sad when someone speaks badly about him because he is the person he is. He always sends me messages, helps me. I love him. He is not only my idol as a player, but he has also proven to be a fantastic person.”
Rodrygo scored ten goals in 34 LaLiga appearances last season and also scored five times in the Champions League.
His place in the Real Madrid team has come under pressure with the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, although coach Carlo Ancelotti has continued to field him as part of a three-man attacking line so far this season.
Paraguay held Uruguay to a goalless draw in their qualifying match on Friday.
