Brazil’s Rodrygo believes they need a fit Neymar to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Neymar was sidelined last year after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee while playing for Brazil and thus he has been out of action since then.

Neymar is one of Brazil’s best player and the Real Madrid’s Rodrygo reckons he holds the key to the team’s success in the quadrennial tournament.

“He’s our star, our best player,” Rodrygo said in an exclusive ESPN Brasil interview. “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.”

Meanwhile, Rodrygo scored in Brazil’s 1-0 win against Ecuador in CONMEBOL qualifying on Friday for the 2026 World Cup.

Rodrygo revealed he is in tough with Neymar and he considers him as his idol.

“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.”

Rodrygo scored 10 goals in 34 LaLiga appearances last season, as well as finding the back of the net on five occasions in the Champions League and thus played a key role in Los Blancos’ success in Europe’s prestigious football competition. But his place in the team has come under pressure after arrival of Kylian Mbappe from PSG.

Brazil will face Paraguay in Asuncion on Tuesday.