Vinicius Júnior Makes Gesture Toward Neymar 16 Days Before 2026 World Cup
Vinicius Júnior is set to play in his second FIFA World Cup when Brazil open their 2026 campaign against Morocco on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The Real Madrid star enters the tournament as the centerpiece of Brazil's attack after establishing himself as one of the best players in world football over the last several seasons. But this World Cup will also feature the return of Neymar, who is back with the national team for the first time since suffering a torn ACL in October 2023.
Neymar's inclusion has become one of the most controversial talking points surrounding Brazil ahead of the tournament.
According to reports from Gazetta Esportiva, head coach Carlo Ancelotti and sporting director Rodrigo Caetano spoke directly with Neymar before finalizing the squad. Ancelotti reportedly made clear that Neymar would not automatically return as captain or guaranteed starter, instead earning his place within the group like every other player.
Vinicius Jr. Says Neymar Should Wear No. 10
Despite the debate surrounding Neymar's return, Vinicius made his support clear in a recent interview with CazeTV.
"I don't know which number I'll wear," Vinicius said. "But the No. 10 will go to Neymar - that's obvious."
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐎. 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐍𝐄𝐘𝐌𝐀𝐑
— 433 (@433) May 26, 2026
In an interview with CazeTV, Vinícius Jr. made one thing very clear: if Neymar returns for Brazil, the iconic No. shirt is waiting for him
"𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗜'𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲… pic.twitter.com/HmLqlt9z78
The gesture bears significance given the history attached to the No. 10 shirt in Brazilian football. Pelé famously wore the number throughout his 14-year tenure, while players such as Zico, Romário, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho also carried it during different eras of the national team.
Neymar remains Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals and has long been viewed as the face of the national team during the post-Ronaldinho era.
His selection, however, has not been universally accepted. Some critics questioned Brazil leaving Chelsea forward Joao Pedro out of the squad while bringing back Neymar after such a long absence from international football. Concerns also increased following reports that Neymar recently dealt with calf discomfort during training with Santos (h/t Santos FC reporter Lucas Barros).
Still, Brazil clearly believes Neymar can help a squad attempting to end a lengthy World Cup drought. Brazil have not won the tournament since 2002 and were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Croatia at the 2022 World Cup despite Neymar scoring in extra time.
Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland during the group stage. Much of the tournament discussion surrounding the Seleção will center on whether Neymar can stay healthy and make a meaningful impact alongside Vinicius. But Vinicius' comments made one thing clear: inside the squad, Neymar still carries the respect reserved for one of the defining players in Brazilian football history.
Related: Major Lionel Messi Injury Update Emerges 17 Days Before FIFA World Cup
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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 1:11 PM.