Vinicius Junior: Neymar is our idol, happy to see him back
Vinicius Junior has expressed his joy at Neymar's return to the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup and shared insights on Endrick's debut tournament nerves.
The return of Neymar to the final roster for the Brazil national team has been welcomed as a major boost for the squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. After a turbulent period marked by injury and uncertainty, the 34-year-old forward is set for one final chance at global glory.
Speaking to CazeTV, Vinicius Junior revealed that he maintained constant contact with the veteran during his time away from the fold. Despite the doubts surrounding his fitness, Neymar remained determined to represent his country once more.
Neymar is our idol, I've always been very fond of him. He has always defended me a lot, and I've followed him since the start of his career. After the injuries, after suffering so much, he can return to the national team and have one last chance with an excellent group. Vinicius Junior
While questions regarding his calf injury have persisted in the media, Neymar has remained direct, dismissing any concerns about his physical readiness. His confidence is echoed by his teammates, who consider his presence vital for their pursuit of a sixth world title.
The squad also features the rising star Endrick. The 19-year-old was reportedly anxious about securing his spot on the plane, with Vinicius acting as a mentor to calm the youngster's nerves. Vinicius emphasized that reaching a World Cup at such a young age is a rare and significant milestone.
Brazil is now turning its attention to final warm-up friendlies against Panama and Egypt to refine tactics. The medical staff will carefully manage Neymar's workload at their training base to ensure he is fully fit for the opening match against Morocco on June 13.