Not Neymar, Cafu Names Two Stars Who Should Lead Brazil at the World Cup 2026

Neymar Junior is back in the Brazilian national team after being called up by head coach Carlo Ancelotti for the 2026 World Cup .

Neymar joins the 26-man Brazil World Cup squad as an attacker of the team and is expected to be the face of the national team this summer. Neymar has not played for Brazil since 2023.

The return of Neymar to the national team excites fans as he joins eight other forwards in the squad.

Brazil legend Cafu believes that Neymar has been the face of the national team for many years, and believes that he should be given a break after leading the team 'alone' for many years.

Cafu gives credit to two players who have been with the Brazilian national team for many years and in recent matches under Carlo Ancelotti: Casemiro and Marquinhos .

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Casemiro and Marquinhos were key figures of the Brazilian national team in the 2022 World Cup and are also called up for the 2026 World Cup. The 2026 World Cup will mark the third World Cup with Brazil for both players.

Cafu on Casemiro and Marquinhos

Cafu believes that Neymar struggled a lot with the national team for years and faced a lot of responsibility. Cafu is the last Brazilian captain to lift the World Cup, back in 2002.

When discussing Neymar, Cafu recalled the 2002 squad and said, "In 2002, we didn't repeat the best player on the pitch even once. If Neymar had the support we had in 2002, he wouldn't need to be the best on the pitch every time. Unfortunately, we have had Neymar alone for a long time, and we threw everything on top of him."

Cafu then highlights Casemiro and Marquinhos as the two key figures that could help Neymar lead the national team this summer.

Cafu said, "I see Casemiro and Marquinhos as good leaders, the way they position themselves on the pitch, how they talk to the referee, the way they talk to the players. I see these two as the two great leaders of the Brazilian national team today."

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.