Kaká, the 2007 Ballon d’Or winner, has expressed his support for Neymar's role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What happened?
Neymar was included in Carlo Ancelotti's final 26-man Brazil squad, despite suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023.
Kaká played alongside Neymar for the Seleção and remains close friends with the 34-year-old.
Why it matters for Kaká
Kaká thinks Neymar will be very important for Brazil if he's ready and in good shape.
Neymar has managed just a handful of appearances for Santos since the injury.
What comes next?
The question now is whether Neymar's body allows him to play continuously.
If it does, Kaká's prediction may well prove correct, with Brazil being a different team with a fit Neymar.
Kaká also told GOAL that Neymar's experience and maturity give Brazil something few in the squad can offer.
Neymar himself has made clear this is his final World Cup chance.
He said earlier this year, "I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance, and I will do everything I can to play in it."
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to start soon, and all eyes will be on Neymar and Brazil.
Kaká's endorsement of Neymar is a significant boost to the player's morale.
Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 caps.
He has the potential to make a big impact at the World Cup.
But his fitness remains a concern, and it's unclear how much he will be able to play.
Kaká's comments were made in a recent interview, where he expressed his love and admiration for Neymar.
He said, "I love Neymar, we played together in the national team, we are friends."
Kaká's support for Neymar is not surprising, given their close friendship.
But it's a significant endorsement, given Kaká's status as a Brazil legend.
The World Cup is a massive stage, and Neymar will be under a lot of pressure to perform.
But with Kaká's backing, he may be able to handle the expectations.
Neymar's experience and maturity will be valuable assets to the Brazil team.
He knows how to handle the pressure and the big games.
And with Kaká's support, he may be able to lead Brazil to success.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be an exciting tournament, with many top teams and players competing.
But for Brazil, the key to success may lie with Neymar and his ability to stay fit and play to his potential.
Kaká's prediction that Neymar will be very important for Brazil may well come true.
But it all depends on Neymar's fitness and his ability to perform on the big stage.
The world will be watching, and the pressure will be intense.
But with Kaká's support, Neymar may be able to handle it and lead Brazil to glory.