'He's our star' - Real Madrid's Rodrygo says Brazil need Neymar to win World Cup 2026

Neymar has been out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury since October last year and it is not yet known when he will be back in action. It has been suggested that Al-Hilal could leave him out of their squad until January so that they can still use all other foreign stars in the first half of the 2024-25 season.

Brazil have disappointed in World Cup qualifying so far without Neymar as they sit in fourth place and eight points behind leaders Argentina. According to Real Madrid star Rodrygo, the Selecao would be in better shape if the 32-year-old were in the side as he fears for their hopes at the 2026 tournament.

Rodrygo said to ESPN: "I have no words. Everyone can see it, it's clear how much he's missed. He's our star, our best player. To win a World Cup, everyone has to be well to help him. If he's well, which is what we're hoping for, he's in the final stages of his recovery. We want him back as soon as possible. I always exchange messages with him, he's now returning to training with the group. He's a great partner. I feel 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."

Rodrygo and his Brazil co-stars will attempt to draw closer to Argentina when they come up against Paraguay in World Cup qualifying in midweek.