Real Madrid forward says he can’t imagine a World Cup without “fantastic” Neymar
Kylian Mbappe has backed Neymar to return to the Brazil squad in time for the World Cup, saying he cannot imagine the tournament without his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate.
Neymar has not featured for the Seleção since October 2023 due to injury and is racing to be fit for what would be his fourth World Cup. Mbappe played together with Neymar for five years in the French capital before the latter moved to Saudi Arabia and then Santos.
“The World Cup is a competition of stars,” Mbappe said. “All the stars are here, and in my book, Neymar is one of the biggest stars. I can’t imagine the World Cup without Neymar. But in the end, I can’t go against my former coach, [Carlo] Ancelotti. I have to respect his decision.”
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti omitted Neymar from his squad for the March and April friendlies in the US. It is a huge blow for the 34-year-old’s World Cup hopes but there is still a chance. Ancelotti will name his squad for the summer’s tournament in May and has left the door open for Neymar, provided he proves his fitness.
If Neymar is unable to make the World Cup, it leaves Mbappe’s Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior as Brazil’s talisman in the forward line in North America.
“Vini now needs to take another step forward with the national team, but Neymar is Neymar,” Mbappe said. “Neymar is a fantastic player.”
Vinicius himself has noted he wants to play alongside Neymar at the tournament.
“The pressure on Ney is normal,” Vinicius said. “I’m biased, Ney is one of my idols. He’s doing everything to be 100%, to return to the national team. Now, the decision rests with the coach. But we players always want to play with the best.”
