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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Baptista anticipating Neymar's return </li><li>Wants the Santos man to lead the nation at 2026 WC </li><li>Believes he's still Brazil's best player </li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Brazil told Neymar is 'still our best player' as ex-Selecao star demands Santos forward returns to international football in time for World Cup 2026

Serie A

Santos FC

Palmeiras

<p>Former Brazil attacking midfielder Julio Baptista has publicly called for Neymar's return to the national team, insisting the forward remains the country's most important player. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Baptista urged Neymar, now back at Santos, to return to the Brazil squad and lead them on the world stage once again. </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>In an interview with <a href="https://www.footitalia.com/news/julio-baptista-interview/" target="_blank">footialia.com</a>, journalist Liam Solomon asked Baptista, "Is Neymar still good enough to go to the World Cup?"</p><p>Baptista replied: "Why not? He's our best player in the national team, so we need to find a place for him. Maybe he'll play at the next World Cup. I believe that he has the opportunity to try to win something for Brazil. I hope he can do something big for Brazil."  </p>

WHAT JULIO BAPTISTA SAID

<p>The former Barcelona superstar marked a homecoming to Santos in January following a torrid spell with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, signing a short-term contract. The 33-year-old scored <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/provoked-me-neymar-speaks-out-after-scoring-olimpico-goal-santos-hopes-of-brazil-call-up/blt3531567bbaaa1dc3" target="_blank">three goals in his first seven appearances</a> before a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/neymar-fresh-hamstring-injury-latest-santos-comeback-ends-tears/blt6b1fb6e69d0d403c" target="_blank">hamstring injury forced him to the sidelines once again</a>. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/santos-president-speaks-out-neymar-future-after-ex-psg-and-barcelona-superstar-latest-injury-setback/bltbec6a65c5d585f6e#cs77f0709a6a4ccb6b" target="_blank">Santos president Marcelo Teixeira spoke about the club's will to extend Neymar's contract</a>, as they want him to stay until next year's World Cup. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The talismanic Brazilian is ruled out for a return until June, after <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/neymar-fresh-hamstring-injury-latest-santos-comeback-ends-tears/blt6b1fb6e69d0d403c#cs6d02058d2e71710e" target="_blank">reports indicated that his latest injury, which affected his hamstring,</a> will keep him out of action for four to six weeks. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?

Brazil told Neymar is 'still our best player' as ex-Selecao star demands Santos forward returns to international football in time for World Cup 2026 | Goal.com

Former Brazil forward Julio Baptista is of the strong belief that Neymar needs to return to form for the 2026 World Cup as he&apos;s Selecao&apos;s best player.

Brazil told Neymar is &apos;still our best player&apos; as ex-Selecao star demands Santos forward returns to international football in time for World Cup 2026

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