Casemiro Delivers Bold Ultimatum on Neymar's 2026 World Cup Future
Casemiro has emphasized that Brazil continues to "require" Neymar despite persistent questions about whether the veteran star will earn selection for next year's World Cup.
The midfielder, who also hopes to participate in his third World Cup, stated he would gladly "extend" himself and increase his efforts if it provided Neymar the foundation to deliver match-deciding brilliance.
Neymar's difficulties in recent seasons have been thoroughly chronicled. While injuries limited his potential during six disappointing years at Paris Saint-Germain, they have devastated his career since 2023.
Brazil's record goalscorer tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee during international service in October 2023, just several matches after moving to Al Hilal for a reported €90 million (£79.3 million, $104.2 million).
His deal was terminated in January 2025 following 18 months, seven matches and merely one goal. Since returning to Santos, Neymar has continued battling fitness issues and the legendary club faces relegation danger this season.
Neymar's most recent among his 128 Brazil caps was the match where he suffered his ACL injury. The Selecão has managed without him, though 10 victories—only seven in competitive fixtures—from 24 matches since hardly places them among World Cup favorites.
Neymar is currently 33 and has featured in just 30 matches over two years, yet Casemiro has called him "clearly the finest" provided he remains physically healthy and mentally sharp.
"I had the privilege of playing alongside exceptional players," Casemiro told Globo. "I played with Cristiano [Ronaldo] during his peak period, when everything he attempted became a goal. I played with Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, Marcelo, [Gareth] Bale, [Karim] Benzema.
"It's unavoidable that you include Neymar in that group. Everyone makes their choices on and off the pitch. My approach is different, more private. But we cannot overlook him if he's performing well. If he's physically and mentally prepared, he's clearly the finest. I'm a huge admirer of him as a player."
Casemiro, who first met "amazing" Neymar at age 12, said the former Barcelona attacker can "determine a match at any instant" and doesn't question his commitment.
"This player is amazing. And in my daily experience, I know his team very well, how he operates. Everything he's accomplished in football cannot be coincidental; you cannot achieve that solely through talent, you must have the effort, you must have the commitment."
Casemiro: 'I'll Do it for Neymar'
Casemiro continued by explaining that Neymar's abilities and game-altering potential makes it valuable for the remaining team to essentially support him during portions of matches.
"If I must overextend myself on the pitch so he can deliver the crucial pass, net the goal [I'll do it]," he stated, "…Argentina accomplished that with [Lionel] Messi. It's not that Neymar will simply remain motionless while we sprint. That doesn't happen. But Argentina managed that. Julián Alvarez would retreat, and Messi would operate as a false nine. They were defending deep, and Messi was just positioned up front.
"I believe Neymar is irresistible to anyone, but we understand he must be at his peak. It's largely his responsibility to determine what to pursue and what to avoid, but I believe we require him. With his ability, we require him.
"The talent of these players is undeniable, you cannot squander them, they possess such skill. And in today's football, the margin between victory and defeat is extremely narrow. These players are the ones who cross that margin."