Rodrygo insists Neymar must be part of Brazil's World Cup 2026 plans

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has told Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti that Neymar should be central to the Selecao's plans for the 2026 World Cup. He argued the veteran number 10 remains indispensable and that a potential sixth world title would feel incomplete without him.

Speaking on Um Dia Com... on CazeTV, the 25-year-old offered a passionate defence of his idol and stressed the dressing room still views Neymar as a leader. "It's logical. For me, in my opinion, there's not even a discussion. But we know, of course, he needs to be well, he has to be preparing, he is returning from knee surgery.

It won't have the same grace to win without him, so we need him," he said. Neymar, 34, has been working back from a major knee operation and recently scored twice in a 2-1 victory over Vasco, but maintaining that level at a World Cup would be a different challenge.

Brazil

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