Casemiro: Neymar Is Brazil’s Most Decisive Star Ahead of World Cup

Neymar has long been at the heart of Brazilian football, and Casemiro is adamant that, despite recent setbacks, Neymar remains Brazil’s most decisive player as the team gears up for the 2026 World Cup. With Neymar’s fitness still in question and his spot on the Selecao uncertain, Casemiro has publicly defended his teammate’s unique lifestyle and footballing brilliance, ranking him above legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Luka Modric.

Neymar’s Fitness Struggles and Brazil Squad Absence

Neymar’s ongoing fitness concerns have left him out of Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad once again. Since suffering a ruptured knee ligament against Uruguay in October 2023, Neymar has battled to regain form and consistency. His brief return to club football, featuring from the bench in Santos’ 1-1 draw with Fortaleza, did little to quell doubts about his readiness. Ancelotti has reiterated his respect for Neymar’s talent, emphasizing that the door remains open, but only if the forward can prove his physical reliability with consistent performances.

Casemiro’s Verdict: Neymar Above Football’s Elite

Casemiro, speaking to Globo, reflected on his experience playing alongside top talents such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, and Karim Benzema. Nonetheless, he insists Neymar’s impact and ability to change games at any moment make him “by far the best” when fit. Casemiro highlighted how Neymar’s talent isn’t just the product of natural ability, but also hard work and dedication, describing it as a privilege to share the pitch with him.

Different Lifestyles, Same Dedication

Addressing Neymar’s much-discussed personal life, Casemiro defended his teammate’s right to pursue his own path off the field. “Everyone does what they want on and off the field. My lifestyle is more reserved, but we can’t dismiss him if he’s doing well. If he’s physically and mentally fit, he’s by far the best. I’m a big fan of him as a player,” Casemiro said.

Building Brazil’s Tactics Around Neymar’s Decisive Role

Casemiro firmly believes Brazil should adapt its tactics to maximize Neymar’s strengths, drawing a parallel to how Argentina centered their 2022 World Cup-winning approach around Lionel Messi. He argued that making Neymar the focal point could be the difference in tight matches, as it was when Neymar scored against Croatia in the quarter-final. “You can’t waste players with such talent. In football today, the line between winning and losing is very thin. These players break that line,” Casemiro emphasized.

Learning from Messi and Argentina

The midfielder urged Brazil to emulate Argentina’s tactical flexibility, which allowed Messi the freedom to impact games while teammates supported defensively. Casemiro suggested that if needed, he’d cover more ground to allow Neymar to create decisive moments, underscoring Neymar’s importance in high-pressure situations.

Ancelotti’s Influence and Brazil’s World Cup Preparations

Casemiro also praised coach Carlo Ancelotti’s leadership, noting his ability to unite both players and staff. The Manchester United star highlighted Brazil’s depth, from Alisson to Vinicius Jr., declaring that the squad is filled with world-class talent. Brazil’s upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia will be crucial as Ancelotti aims to refine the team’s tactical approach, especially with Neymar’s condition under close watch.

The Road Ahead for Brazil and Neymar

As Brazil continues its World Cup preparations, Neymar’s journey back to full fitness remains one of the biggest storylines. If he can recover and prove his readiness, Casemiro is confident the Selecao can build a winning formula around their most decisive star. For more news on Brazil’s World Cup campaign and player updates, visit for more news.

Opinion: Neymar’s Future Hinges on Fitness and Trust

While Neymar’s talent is unquestioned, his ability to contribute at the highest level depends on overcoming persistent injury woes and regaining trust from both club and country. Casemiro’s steadfast support and tactical suggestions highlight not only Neymar’s potential but also the risk involved in relying heavily on a player with an uncertain fitness record. If Neymar can return to his best, Brazil have every reason to believe in World Cup glory.