The 1994 world champion with Brazil, Romario, has declared that the national team needs Neymar if they wish to win the next World Cup.
In 2026, Brazil will mark 24 years without a World Cup victory—a span that seems like an eternity for the five-time winning champions and soccer powerhouse. The last time La Canarinha lifted the trophy was in 2002, led by legends such as Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.
Brazil appear to be lacking that “something” to return to world glory, having failed to win the title even on home soil in 2014. For Romario, a vital figure in the 1994 Brazilian championship, that missing ingredient is Neymar Jr.
“If we don’t play for Neymar, it will be very difficult to win,” Romario began his thoughts during an interview with ESPN, saying that Brazil’s number 10 is the only player capable of guiding the team to lift a new World Cup trophy.
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“With Neymar at the next World Cup, it will be difficult for Brazil to win. But without Neymar, it will be impossible. There are good players who shine at club level, but unfortunately, they did not succeed to show their value on the international stage,” Romario explained.
-Romario also took the opportunity to criticize the decisions of Brazilian coach Dorival Junior. The former player does not agree with the choices made by the coach for the Canarinha matches.
“The players bear 90% of the responsibility. Of course, the coach is important for a national team. What I see wrong with Dorival is the selection of certain players who, personally, I would not call. I don’t understand why he insists on calling up players who play in Europe, outside of Brazil. There are players here who could have the chance to play for the national team,” Romario commented.
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Currently, Brazil is going through a difficult sporting period, occupying fifth place in the Conmebol qualifications for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place between Mexico, the United States and Canada. The five-time champions are looking to end their drought without World Cup titles.
