Real Madrid star Rodrygo has said Brazil need Neymar if they are to win a record sixth World Cup in 2026.
The 23-year-old, who scored a first-half goal to help Brazil beat Ecuador 1-0 on Friday and halt its three-match losing streak in CONMEBOL qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, said Neymar is key to Brazil's success.
“He's our star, our best player,” Rodrygo said in an exclusive interview with ESPN Brasil. “Anyone can see how much we miss him. Having Neymar healthy, which is 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 consecutive matches to Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina at the end of last year and were in sixth place in the standings after six rounds. With Friday's win, Brazil now have 10 points and are in fourth place. They face Paraguay in Asuncion on Tuesday.
Brazil's all-time leading men's scorer underwent surgery to repair injuries to the anterior cruciate ligaments and meniscus in his left knee on November 2, 2023 in Brazil.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star, who joined Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal in the summer of 2023 in a €90m transfer from PSG, was injured in Brazil's World Cup qualifying defeat to Uruguay in October 2023.
He has previously faced lengthy spells out with injuries, including multiple injuries to his right ankle and foot in the past, which forced him to miss six weeks of action in 2021 and Brazil's victorious 2019 Copa America campaign.
Rodrygo said he keeps in touch with Neymar and considers him an idol.
“We always send messages to each other. Now he's back to training with the group,” said Rodrygo. “He's a great teammate. It makes me sad when I see someone talk badly about him, because of the person he is. He always sends me messages, he helps me. I love him. As well as being my idol as a player, as a person he has shown himself to be a fantastic person.”
Rodrygo scored 10 goals in 34 LaLiga games last season, as well as scoring five times in the Champions League.
His place in the Real Madrid team has come under pressure with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, although manager Carlo Ancelotti has continued to select him as part of a three-man attacking line so far this campaign.
Paraguay drew 0-0 with Uruguay in their qualifying match on Friday.
