Brazil midfielder Fabinho has backed Neymar to make the country’s 2026 World Cup squad, insisting the forward remains the nation’s most talented player.
Neymar was left out of Brazil’s latest squad for friendlies against France and Croatia as he continues to work on his fitness at Santos.
Despite his absence, Fabinho said the forward could still play a key role if fully fit.
He said: “For me, he’s still the most talented Brazilian player today.
“He can make the difference at any moment, so he can be very important in a World Cup. If he’s in good form and physically fit, he’s the best.”
Brazil are preparing for the next World Cup cycle under coach Carlo Ancelotti, with pressure mounting to end a title drought that dates back to 2002.
Fabinho said the squad remains focused on success regardless of expectations.
He said: “For Brazil, it’s rare to have a title drought like this.
“We players don’t care if we’re favourites or not. We know we can do something special, that we can go all the way. I think that’s the mentality we need to have.”
Brazil have been drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland and Haiti for the tournament in North America.
Ahead of the competition, they face France in a high-profile friendly at the Gillette Stadium in USA.
Fabinho also praised French striker Karim Benzema, describing him as a standout forward despite his international retirement.
He said: “Of course, he has the ability. I think he’s still the best French number 9.
“He can score, he can create… that’s Karim. In training, I could still see his quality in front of goal. He’s impressive.”
Neymar, who has not featured for Brazil since October 2023, has registered four goal contributions in three appearances for Santos this season as he works towards full fitness.
Brazil face France on Thursday in a key test as Ancelotti assesses his options ahead of the tournament, with Neymar needing to prove his fitness before the final squad is named in May
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