“I have never hidden my admiration for him” - Brazil coach Dorival Jr addresses Neymar Jr’s future with the national team
Brazil's head coach Dorival Junior recently discussed Neymar's future with the national team. The 62-year-old recently said that he is keen to have the legendary forward back on the team, as his presence would improve the side's performance.
Neymar has not featured for Brazil since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023. After spending over a year on the sideline, the Brazilian icon returned to action, featuring in Al-Hilal's AFC Champions League Elite clash with Al-Ain on October 21.
However, two weeks after making his return, he suffered another setback. The former Barcelona player picked up a hamstring injury against Esteghal in the AFC Champions League and is not expected to return until mid-December.
Dorival is hopeful that Neymar will overcome his injury concerns and return to the national team soon. He believes that the Al-Hilal star will enhance Brazil's performance as they aim to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
"I have never hidden my admiration for him," Dorival said via Goal. "We all know how capable he is. I would like him to return to the team at a time when the team can support him. I hope that happens again in March, or the following year. All we want is for him to be fully fit so that he can do his best."
"I have no doubt that with Neymar, the national team's performance will be even better. I think that back then it would have been too early to imagine a return. If he were fit, he would already be accelerating this process for us," he added.
Dorival stated that he did not call him up due to his injury history, as he wants him to be fully fit before rejoining the national team.
"We were right not to call him up last time, especially because of what happened later, his injury. We were very cautious and safe, because we were monitoring his situation. We took the right approach. First, we want him to recover his conditions at the club, and then he returns to the national team, because he is essential, yes. I have no doubt that he will continue to grow with the team," he added.
Brazil have struggled in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers. The five-time world champions were recently held to a 1-1 draw at home by Uruguay. They sit fifth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, with 18 points after 12 games, seven points behind leaders Argentina.
Neymar could return to boyhood club Santos next year
Neymar will likely return to his boyhood club Santos in 2025. The Brazilian star has failed to make a significant impact at Al-Hilal since joining the Saudi club from Paris Saint-German (PSG) in 2023.
Due to his recurring injury challenges, Al-Hilal are ready to part ways with the Brazilian when his contract expires in June 2025. According to reports, the 32-year-old could return to Brazil with Santos as his next destination.
Neymar came through the ranks at Santos and made his debut in 2009. He scored 136 goals and created 64 assists in 225 appearances for the Brazilian club before joining Barcelona in 2013.