Vinicius Junior has expressed genuine joy at Neymar's selection for Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad, describing the Santos forward as an inspirational figure who overcame significant adversity to earn a final chance at international glory. The Real Madrid star opened up about the emotional journey of his senior teammate during a period marked by injuries and exclusion from the national team setup.
In an interview with CazeTV, Vinicius revealed the depth of Neymar's frustration throughout his absence from the Seleção. "I talked to Neymar at every call-up and he always said he was really sad because Ancelotti hadn't called him up again," the winger explained. "But I always told him the manager trusted him, that when the time came, he would take him. Neymar is our idol, I've always been very fond of him, he's always defended me a lot, and I'm happy for him. After the injuries, after suffering so much, he can return to the national team and have one last chance with an excellent group."
Fitness Questions and Neymar's Confidence
Despite his inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti's squad for North America, questions about Neymar's physical readiness have surfaced in Brazilian media. A recent calf issue raised concerns, but the 34-year-old has dismissed worries about his tournament prospects. When confronted on whether his fitness presents a risk, the veteran forward replied bluntly: "What's the problem?" His teammates appear to share his confidence, viewing his presence as crucial for Brazil's pursuit of a sixth World Cup title.
Vinicius also discussed the pressure faced by younger squad members, particularly rising star Endrick. The 19-year-old was anxious about securing his place and repeatedly sought reassurance from senior players. "He was always pestering me, asking if he was going to go, what I thought. I told him: 'Relax, man. You're going, you'll be there with us.' Playing in your first World Cup at 19 is not something everyone gets to do," Vinicius said.
Looking Ahead to Tournament Preparation
Brazil will compete in friendlies against Panama and Egypt before their opening match against Morocco on June 13. The coaching staff plan to carefully manage Neymar's workload during initial training sessions at Granja Comary to prevent any late-stage setbacks. With Vinicius, Endrick, and Neymar providing attacking support, expectations remain exceptionally high as the Seleção pursue another continental triumph in 2026.
