After years of uncertainty, Neymar Jr. is heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. One of his oldest friends in soccer could not be happier about it.
The saga surrounding Neymar’s inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s final 26-man Brazil squad was one of the year’s most drawn-out storylines. Brazil’s all-time leading scorer had not played for the national team since suffering a serious knee injury against Uruguay in October 2023, and his World Cup future had looked doubtful for months.
Kaká Makes Heartfelt Confession About Neymar Jr.
Ancelotti left him out of the March friendlies against France and Croatia, stating bluntly that he was “not 100 percent.” Yet when the final squad was announced, Neymar’s name was on it. And Kaká, who played alongside him for years with the Seleção and remains close friends with the 34-year-old, recently spoke about it.
The 2007 Ballon d’Or winner and 2002 World Cup champion was honest when asked about Neymar’s potential role in this tournament.
“I love Neymar. We played together in the national team. We are friends. So I like him too much. So it’s really hard for me to speak something bad about him. If he’s ready, if he’s in good shape, physical condition is good, I think he’ll be very very important for Brazil. So I wish we can see Neymar play more years in good condition because it’s really nice to see him play.”
The key phrase there is “if he’s ready.” And Kaká is not the only one making that conditional. Ancelotti himself acknowledged the uncertainty at the squad announcement, telling reporters, “We chose Neymar not because we think he’ll be a good substitute. We chose Neymar because we believe he can help the team.
That is not exactly a bright endorsement of Neymar’s fitness, but it is a clear statement of faith in what he can provide when called upon.
Since that knee injury in October 2023, Neymar has managed just a handful of appearances for Santos, and questions have arisen about his sharpness, stamina, and ability to handle the demands of a World Cup.
For Kaká, none of that changes the broader picture. Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 caps. This is his fourth World Cup, and when he is healthy and motivated, there are very few players on the planet capable of doing what he does.
Kaká also told GOAL in a separate interview that Neymar’s experience and maturity give Brazil something few in the squad can offer. “For me, it’s really important that he’s in the squad. He can help on the field and off the field. He’s really mature. It’s his fourth World Cup. He knows already how it is, how to go, how to play, how to behave.”
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Neymar himself has made clear this is his final chance. “I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance, and I will do everything I can to play in it,” he said earlier this year.
The question now is whether his body allows him to play continuously. If it does, Kaká’s prediction may well prove correct. Brazil, with a fit Neymar alongside Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha, is a very different team than they are without him.
