Raphinha, the Barcelona star, has thrown his support behind the campaign to include Neymar in this year’s World Cup squad. In an interview on ‘Domingão com Huck,’ the 29-year-old forward praised the number 10, calling him “the face of the sixth star.”
“For me, Neymar is the man for the sixth star. I think we need to understand who he is for Brazilian football. If he is physically fit, he is a key player who can help us win that title,” Raphinha said.
Welcomed into the national team by Neymar himself, the Barcelona attacker also highlighted his leadership: “He was someone who took me in and embraced me as if he had known me for a long time. He gave me the confidence to show my football. And Neymar will help if Ancelotti includes him,” he added.
The former PSG star has not played for the Seleção in nearly three years, since suffering an injury against Uruguay in 2023. Now with Santos, he has been managing his workload in hopes of securing one of the 26 roster spots. The final World Cup squad for 2026 will be announced by Carlo Ancelotti on May 18.
Raphinha himself has also dealt with physical setbacks, but fortunately for him, he has returned to action after being medically cleared.
Related: Neymar da Silva Santos Junior | Brazil | World Cup | Santos | Raphael Dias Belloli | FC Barcelona | Carlo Ancelotti | Football
