MVxn0 Durante interviewed Globo this Friday, the athlete highlighted the technical importance and leadership role of the number 10 in the national group.
The demonstration occurs at a time of expectation regarding the physical conditioning of Neymar, who has not entered the field for Brasil since October 2023. Raphinha emphasized that, being in good condition, the veteran has superior technical capacity to decide short matches and tournaments. The striker also recalled the welcome he received from his idol in his first calls, a factor that consolidated the relationship of trust between the two.
Raphinha highlights welcome and partnership with shirt 10
The Barcelona striker recalled his first steps with the yellow shirt and how Neymar’s attitude was decisive for his adaptation to the Seleção environment. Segundo the player, the veteran received him warmly, allowing him to play his football naturally since his debut. Essa freedom granted by one of the biggest technical references in the country is seen by Raphinha as a differentiator in the development of new talents.
Para the athlete of Barcelona, Neymar transcends the role of an ordinary player within the four lines. Ele believes that the understanding of the star’s relevance to national sports culture must be preserved to strengthen the squad towards Mundial. The trust placed by the number 10 in his teammates is cited as the fuel that drives the Brazilian attack in moments of pressure.
Historical Presente symbolizes friendship between attackers
One object in particular symbolizes the closeness between the two players and occupies a prominent place in Raphinha’s personal collection. Trata is a limited edition boot produced by sporting goods supplier Neymar to celebrate Seleção’s historic goalscoring achievement. The item was only distributed to a restricted circle of friends and professional colleagues after the star surpassed the official record of Pelé in FIFA games.
- Par football boots commemorating Pelé’s record breaking
- Reconhecimento of Neymar by the trajectory of Raphinha in the current cycle
- Símbolo of succession and continuity in the offensive sector of Brasil
- Peça kept by Barcelona player as his most valuable trophy
Raphinha detailed that the gift reinforces the emotional and professional bond between them, serving as constant inspiration. Ele sees footwear not just as a sports accessory, but as recognition from an idol for his work. Essa gratitude is one of the pillars that supports the attacker’s speech in defense of Neymar’s return to the team led by Carlo Ancelotti.
Expectativa to Copa from Mundo 2026
The recovery schedule and recent call-ups have been a recurring theme in Raphinha’s conversations with the sports press. In March 2026, the player had already expressed his desire to count on his teammate during the qualifiers and preparatory friendlies. The absence of Neymar on the official lists generates debates about who will take on the technical role, but for the Barcelona winger, the vacancy naturally belongs to Santos.
The technical analysis of Raphinha points out that Neymar’s individual quality is unquestionable and capable of solving complex game scenarios. Ele emphasizes that the total focus must be on winning the unprecedented title for this generation, regardless of external criticism. The presence of the experienced player is seen as the element that can unbalance opposing defenses in North American territory.
Histórico absence and return to Brazilian football
Neymar has been without playing for the national team for a long time due to serious injuries suffered in the last cycle. The return to Santos in 2025 was a strategic step to regain the rhythm of the game and visibility in front of the Seleção technical committee. Desde therefore, the monitoring of his physical evolution has been rigorous on the part of the physical trainers and the coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The star’s last official game for Brasil took place in a match valid for Eliminatórias against Uruguai, where he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. Desde that episode, Seleção tested several tactical variations, but the clamor from younger players for the technical leader’s return remains strong. Raphinha is the most recent voice to endorse that the success of the project for 2026 necessarily involves the number 10 shirt.