Brazilian football legend Ronaldo is backing Neymar’s return to the national team ahead of the World Cup in North America next year. The two-time World Cup winner believes the Selecao cannot afford to leave out one of its most decisive players.
Neymar, who holds Brazil’s all-time scoring record with 79 goals in 128 appearances, has not featured for the Selecao since October 2023 after suffering a major knee injury. Since returning to his first club, Santos in January, the 33-year-old has played consistently, rebuilding his form after a difficult stint with Saudi side Al Hilal.
“He is a decisive player for the Brazilian Selecao. We don’t have another player like Neymar,” Ronaldo said during a publicity event in Sao Paulo. Standing alongside his compatriot, he emphasized Neymar’s unique ability to influence games. “The people hope 100 percent that he will go to the World Cup because if he is there, we will definitely have better results than if he’s not there,” added Ronaldo, who scored 62 goals in 99 appearances for Brazil.
Neymar’s career in recent years has been disrupted by recurring injuries. He missed the 2019 Copa America on home soil, joined Al Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, but managed only five matches before a ruptured cruciate ligament sidelined him for a year. His time in Saudi Arabia ended with just one goal before his Santos return.
Despite leaving him out of September’s World Cup qualifiers, Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti has not closed the door. At the time, he explained that Neymar “needs to get in better shape to help the national team and to give the best of himself at the World Cup.”
By Yockshard Enyendi
More to Follow……..
