A Brazil star has admitted their need for Neymar if they have any aspirations of winning the next FIFA World Cup.
Check Out: Ronaldo Picks Between Benzema Mbappe
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain talisman has been nursing an anterior cruciate ligament injury since October 2023.
It was projected that he would be fit and ready to start the 2024/25 season, but recent reports suggest that he failed his latest medical and is poised to sit out the first half of the new Saudi Pro League campaign.
Al Hilal have not struggled since their marquee star went down with a knee injury, though, going on to break the world record for the most consecutive wins (34) in men's association football on their way to winning the league title last season, but Brazil have suffered in his absence.
The Selecao have managed to win only three of the seven 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers they have played so far, leaving them eight points behind table-toppers Argentina, and Real Madrid's Rodrygo believes their chances of winning the global spectacle will be severely impacted if Neymar's absence continues.
"I have no words," the 23-year-old told ESPN.
"Everyone can see it, it's clear how much he's missed.
"He's our star, our best player. To win a World Cup, everyone has to be well to help him.
"If he's well, which is what we're hoping for, he's in the final stages of his recovery.
"We want him back as soon as possible. I always exchange messages with him, he's now returning to training with the group. He's a great partner.
"I feel sad when I see someone talking badly about him, because of the person he is.
Check Out: Uganda Top Bafana's Group With First Win
"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."
