Rodrygo of Brazil celebrates after scoring a goal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American Football Confederation qualifier game against Ecuador at the Major Antonio Couto Pereirain in Curitiba, Brazil, September 6, 2024. /CFP
Star midfielder Rodrygo of Brazil believes that Neymar is key to the team going after their sixth FIFA World Cup championship.
"He's our star, our best player," Rodrygo said in an interview with ESPN. "Anyone can see it, how much he is missed. 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."
Neymar, 32, hasn't played for Brazil since he underwent surgery to repair anterior cruciate ligaments and meniscus injuries in his left knee in November 2023. He suffered the injuries in the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) qualifier game against Uruguay in October 2023.
Brazil lost to Uruguay 2-0 on the road in that game before suffering another two straight losses in the World Cup qualifying tournament, to Colombia 2-1 and to Argentina 1-0. Their losing streak finally ended thanks to the 1-0 win over Ecuador on September 6. Rodrygo scored the only goal for his side in the 30th minute.
Neymar (#10) of Brazil dodges defense in the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American Football Confederation qualifier game against Uruguay at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, Uruguay, October 17, 2023. /CFP
The 23-year-old said he considers Neymar his idol and they keep in touch with each other.
"We always message each other. He is now returning to training with the group," Rodrygo said. "He's a great teammate. It makes me sad when I see someone talking badly about him, because of the person he is. He always sends me messages, helps me. I love him. In addition to being my idol as a player, as a person he has shown himself to be a fantastic person."
Brazil have qualified for every of the 22 editions of the World Cup so far and won five of them, more than any other team.