"We often forget that we have Neymar", says Paulo Sérgio
Neymar was called up by coach Carlo Ancelotti to compete in the 2026 World Cup. The confirmation of the Santos striker on the list of 26 players in the Brazilian team was one of the main highlights of the entire call-up.
On CNN Esportes S/A this Sunday (14), Paulo Sérgio, four-time world champion with the Brazilian team in 1994, approved the call-up of the greatest goalscorer in the history of Canarinho and mentioned Branco, left-back in the four-time squad, who was widely criticized in the country.
I believe so, especially because in 94 we have great experience in the case of Branco. Branco was a player who was a member of that team and had a muscle problem, didn't play, remained in the group and, after Leonardo was sent off, Branco returned to the game against the Netherlands and scored that spectacular goal. Before the goal, there were criticisms in Brazil. Nobody wanted Branco to play, he plays, he shows his talent and potential.
Paulo Sérgio, four-time world champion
Paulo Sérgio also used Argentina's friendly against Iceland as an example, when Lionel Messi came in and with one touch of the ball made a beautiful throw for Lautaro Martínez to suffer a penalty, which he himself converted, to say that the Brazilian people "forget" about Neymar.
I watched the Argentina game and saw that Messi came on for about 15 minutes to finish the match. Messi's first ball. He takes the ball, takes a touch and leaves the player in front of the goal. Penalty. Who will hit? Messi. And we often forget that we have a quality player in this team, which is Neymar. Neymar is a player who can make a difference.
Paulo Sérgio, four-time world champion
CNN Esportes S/A
With Paulo Sérgio, four-time world champion with the Brazilian team, CNN Esportes S/A reaches its 142nd edition. Presented by João Vitor Xavier, the program goes behind the scenes of a market that moves billions and is one of the most profitable in the world: sport.
On the agenda, the hottest topics in the football industry, from the perspective of economics and business.
See the ranking of the most "worn out" teams for the World Cup
Source: CNN