Ronaldo gives honest opinion on Neymar's return to Santos and vows to 'convince' Brazil star of 2026 World Cup role if he's elected CBF president

Neymar brought an end to a miserable, injury-plagued spell at Al-Hilal in January to return to boyhood club Santos, where he has already put in some mesmerising performances.

With the 33-year-old is playing regularly for the first time in over two years, having suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, hamstring troubles and other fitness issues, and his recent resurgence has sparked hope he will be able to star for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup - something ex-Real Madrid star Ronaldo is eager to see.

Ronaldo, who is running in the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) presidential election, told ESPN. "I'm very happy that he's back and that he's made this choice. If a player isn't happy, he doesn't perform well. We have to be patient with the return from a serious injury, there will be relapses, muscle problems, a year out is a long time. We have to be patient with Neymar, and we have to have his commitment that he really wants to be the star of the 2026 World Cup. If he has this commitment, and if he's not clear about it yet, if I win the election, I'll convince him of it."

Neymar last featured for Brazil in October 2023, suffering a ruptured ACL in the clash against Uruguay and will be looking to make his return for the Selecao soon.