Kylian Mbapp represents the feelings of many fans and the growing belief that the World Cup 2026 cannot be imagined without Neymar – especially if it ends up being his Last Dance on football’s biggest stage. The France star spoke without filters before the France vs Brazil friendly, making his stance clear regarding his former PSG teammate.
What did Mbapp say about Neymar’s absence from Brazil?
The Real Madrid striker was questioned by Globoesporte about whether this Brazil national team belongs to Vinicius Jr. or if it still revolves around Neymar.
“I think it can belong to both,” he said with a laugh. “Vini now needs to take another step with the national team, but Neymar is Neymar. He is a fantastic player. The FIFA World Cup is the competition of the stars. All the stars are there, and for me Neymar is one of the greatest. I can’t imagine a World Cup without Neymar. But in the end, I can’t go against my former coach, Carlo Ancelotti. I have to respect his decision,” he stated.
Mbapp, who shared the locker room with Neymar at Paris Saint-Germain, made it clear that he trusts the Brazilian star will be ready for the 2026 World Cup.
“For me, Neymar is a player who makes a difference. I played with him, I learned a lot from him. We have to see how he is, but I know him: he will be ready, he will be there,” he assured.
The French national team forward also referred to the matchup against Brazil, one of the standout games of the FIFA international window, and avoided calling his side the favorite.
“You can never be the favorite against a team with five stars on their jersey. It’s impossible. Brazil is the greatest power in football. For us, it is an opportunity to show our quality and prepare to win the World Cup 2026,” he explained.
Finally, Mbapp compared his two coaches, Didier Deschamps and Carlo Ancelotti, highlighting their contrasting styles and what he has learned from both in his elite football career.
“The best thing is that they are completely different, they have different visions of football. For me, it is a golden opportunity because I can learn two ways to win. It is a pride to have Deschamps and to have worked with Carlo, for whom I feel the utmost respect and admiration,” he concluded.