Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário has urged Neymar to return to the national team, insisting that no player can replace his unique talent. As Brazil looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo’s message has reignited the debate over whether Neymar can make a decisive comeback for his country.
When Ronaldo Nazário speaks about Brazilian football, people listen. His career, marked by triumphs, setbacks, and unforgettable moments, has given his words lasting authority. Known as “O Fenômeno,” the two-time World Cup champion is remembered as one of the greatest strikers in history, and his views still resonate deeply within Brazilian football.
This week in São Paulo, Ronaldo made headlines once again. Standing before the audience, he declared: “We don’t have anyone like Neymar. I hope he can be at 100% for the World Cup.” It was more than a casual remark—it was a call to action, a belief that Brazil’s path to glory may once again depend on its most enigmatic star.
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, now 33 and back at Santos, has not worn the Seleção shirt for nearly two years. His devastating knee injury against Uruguay in October 2023 cast serious doubts about whether his international career had already ended. Yet Ronaldo refuses to envision a Brazil that marches into the 2026 World Cup without its number 10, the player who has defined a generation.
The context behind Ronaldo’s words is striking. Brazil has already qualified for the World Cup, but questions remain about leadership and creativity in attack. With rising stars like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Endrick ready to shine, there is still a gap—an absence of someone capable of carrying the weight of expectation, dictating the rhythm of play, and inspiring the team in the toughest moments. For Ronaldo, that someone is still Neymar.
The statistics underline his case. With 79 goals in 128 matches, Neymar sits just behind Pelé on Brazil’s all-time scoring list. His career is filled with decisive contributions at the Copa América, the Olympic Games, and multiple World Cups. Whenever Brazil needed a spark, Neymar often provided it, whether through dazzling dribbles, precise passes, or unforgettable finishes.
But Neymar’s brilliance has often been shadowed by fragility. Injuries cut short his 2014 World Cup, left him struggling in 2018, and limited his impact in 2022. When he collapsed in Montevideo in 2023, clutching his knee in tears, many thought it was the end of an era. Yet his return to Santos has shown flashes of the genius that once captivated the world. His touch, creativity, and boldness remain intact—even if consistency is still a work in progress.
Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil’s head coach, has taken a cautious approach. The Italian manager has made it clear that Neymar will only be considered if he reaches top physical condition. This pragmatic stance reflects both his philosophy and Brazil’s reality: the team cannot afford to carry risks. Yet Ronaldo insists Neymar’s impact goes beyond calculations. “There is no one like Neymar,” he repeated, emphasizing that his artistry is unique and irreplaceable.
Indeed, Brazil is blessed with extraordinary young talent. Vinícius dazzles at Real Madrid, Rodrygo matures with every game, and Endrick is already touted as the future. But none replicate Neymar’s combination of flair, unpredictability, and vision. At his best, Neymar is not just a goalscorer—he is a conductor, orchestrating Brazil’s attack in ways that statistics cannot fully capture.
For Brazil, the World Cup is more than a competition—it is a national obsession. Every player who wears the yellow jersey inherits the pressure of the five stars above the crest, each symbolizing past triumphs. Neymar once carried that burden as Brazil’s golden boy, hailed as Pelé’s heir. Now, he faces the challenge of leading as a veteran, possibly for the final time. The question is whether he can still shoulder that responsibility and deliver when it matters most.
Ronaldo’s confidence in Neymar stems from personal experience. In 2000, he suffered a career-threatening knee injury, and many believed he would never play again. Two years later, he returned to lead Brazil to its fifth World Cup title, earning the Golden Boot in the process. It was one of football’s greatest comebacks. Perhaps Ronaldo sees in Neymar the possibility of a similar redemption arc.
Skepticism remains. Critics question Neymar’s fitness, his off-field distractions, and his ability to withstand the physical demands of a month-long tournament across North America. They point to Brazil’s tactical evolution under Ancelotti, which emphasizes discipline and structure—traits that sometimes clash with Neymar’s improvisational style. But history reminds us that greatness often defies logic.
Beyond tactics, Neymar symbolizes more than football. He is a cultural icon, a global celebrity, and a source of hope for millions of Brazilians. His presence could reignite national passion, energize teammates, and provide Brazil with the intangible element that statistics cannot measure: belief. Ronaldo, who once carried similar expectations, understands this power better than anyone.
As 2026 approaches, Brazil stands at a crossroads. The squad is filled with talent, the coach has a plan, and the country dares to dream of a sixth World Cup. But the looming question is whether Neymar will return—and if he does, whether he can still be the difference-maker. If he plays at his peak, Brazil’s chances soar. If not, they remain formidable but perhaps lacking that spark of magic.
The decision ultimately lies with Neymar. Does he have the determination to rise once again, to embrace what may be his last opportunity to shine on football’s greatest stage? Ronaldo believes he does. Fans remain divided but hopeful. The world waits to see if the story of Neymar has one final, glorious chapter.
Football loves redemption stories, and Neymar’s career seems perfectly poised for one. As Ronaldo reminded us, there truly is no one like Neymar. Whether he will prove it again in 2026 is a question only time—and Neymar himself—can answer.