Ronaldo Nazario tips Neymar Jr. to make next World Cup for Brazil

The legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario has made a profound statement, tipping Neymar Jr. to make the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar’s injury and fitness problems started way back before moving to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal. This has put his future with the Brazil national team under much scrutiny.

The former Barcelona and PSG star has scored a total of 79 in 128 appearances for the Brazil national team, making him the all-time top scorer for the Seleção.

However, he has been out of the squad since October 2023, and yet another injury pushed his planned return this month back yet further.

This places his inclusion in the Brazil team for next year’s World Cup in further doubt, but Ronaldo believes he can turn those fortunes around only if Neymar “sacrifices himself for it.”

Speaking on the Charla Podcast, via A Bola, Ronaldo sent a few words of advice to him.

“I believe [Neymar will be at the next World Cup]. Neymar has a wonderful talent, but he will have to sacrifice himself. It depends only on him,” he said.

“It’s a sacrifice that’s worth it. The World Cup is one year away. If he gets there at a good level, we have a good chance. But he’s going to have to sacrifice. He’s going to have to eat, train and sleep.”

Neymar Jr. playing for Santos in the Brazil League

If there is anyone in a better position to advise Neymar on injuries and fitness issues, that has to be the man who has won the yellow shirt for Brazil and has also played at the highest level of the game.

One of the best forwards in history suffered massively in his career with his fitness and often saw the best years truncated by various major injuries.

Similarly, Neymar has long suffered a history of knocks and fatigue that have prevented him from playing every game. He is hoping to find the best form in time to make it to the World Cup in 2026 after a dream return to his boyhood club Santos.

Neymar’s race for form and fitness starts now, and he has his destiny in his hands – to be ready for the World Cup and make the best out of his stay at Santos.