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Vinicius Jr. Takes Firm Stand After Brazil’s Neymar Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Mar 25, 2026 12:21 PM ET

Real Madrid winger and Brazil forward Vinicius Jr. discussed the ongoing talk surrounding Neymar on Wednesday in Orlando as the nation prepares for its upcoming pre-World Cup friendlies against France and Croatia.

Those two games mark the last two matches before Carlo Ancelotti names his final 2026 World Cup squad at the end of May.

Vinicius Jr. talked to the media before Thursday’s match against France in Boston, with Brazil then set to face Croatia on Tuesday in Orlando.

"The pressure on Ney is normal, and I'm a bit biased to speak about it because Ney is one of my idols, I've followed his entire career," Vinicius said.

Brazil’s Neymar is seen during the national anthem prior to the match against Cameroon during a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup.Yukihito Taguchi-Imagn Images

Added Vinicius: "(Neymar) is also one of my friends, I always wish him the best. He's doing everything to get back to 100%, to return to the national team. He's the top scorer for the greatest national team in the world."

Neymar was left out of the March squad after Ancelotti and his staff determined he was not fit enough.

"Neymar can be at the World Cup, too," Ancelotti said during his latest squad announcement. "If he can reach the next World Cup at 100 percent, he can be at the World Cup. Why is he not on this list now? Because he is not 100%. We need players at 100% right now. But as I said, for the final list, the conversation is different.

"Neymar has to keep working and playing, showing his qualities in a good physical condition."

Vinicius Jr. has responded to media questions about Neymar’s possible presence or absence in Brazil’s World Cup squad:

“In recent seasons, I’ve been one of the best, Raphinha too. Casemiro, we don’t even need to mention. There are so many experienced players. The… pic.twitter.com/atNDgUxcuz
— Topskills Sports UK (@topskillsportuk) March 25, 2026

The Santos forward returned after knee surgery and had recently scored two goals and assisted on two more during his last four club appearances.

The March window is Brazil’s final reunion before the World Cup squads are named, with no more opportunities left for Neymar to prove himself once again on the international stage.

Vinicius also discussed Brazil's outlook for the World Cup, stopping short of calling Brazil the favorite for the tournament.

"I believe that (the national team) isn't the favorite based on the results we've had. But the weight of the jersey, the weight of the players we have here..." Vinicius said. "We just needed to click."

Ancelotti is set to announce the final World Cup roster on Monday, May 18, with Brazil kicking off their World Cup on June 13 against Morocco.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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