Lamine Yamal has made an emotional appeal for Neymar to be included in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as debate continues over the veteran forward’s international future.
The Barcelona winger spoke ahead of his side’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg clash against Atletico Madrid, where attention remains high on both his performances and Brazil’s squad planning ahead of the summer tournament.
Yamal, widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in world football, expressed deep admiration for Neymar, describing the Brazilian star as a major inspiration during his development.
“I hope Neymar Jr will be at the 2026 World Cup,” Yamal said. “He’s an inspiration for me, an idol since I was a kid.”
Neymar, who currently plays for Santos, was notably left out of Brazil’s most recent squad during the March international break, raising fresh questions about his role in the national team setup going forward.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has previously explained that the 34-year-old forward must be fully fit and consistently performing at a high level to earn selection, stressing the importance of physical readiness as Brazil builds toward the tournament.
The decision has sparked widespread discussion among fans and analysts, with many divided between Neymar’s experience and legacy versus Brazil’s push to refresh the squad with younger players ahead of the World Cup.
Yamal’s comments add to growing voices within the football world calling for Neymar’s inclusion, highlighting the respect the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona star continues to command across generations of players.
As preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensify, Neymar’s fitness and form remain key factors in determining whether he will feature at what could be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
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