Kylian Mbappe’s Surprising World Cup Prediction: Why Neymar Is Non-Negotiable Amid Brazil’s Vinicius Controversy

Kylian Mbappe has added his voice to the growing chorus of support for Neymar following the Brazilian’s omission from the March international roster, with the 2026 World Cup now just months away. While weighing in on the debate over Vinicius Junior’s role with Brazil, the French star delivered a candid message, saying he “doesn’t see a World Cup without Neymar.”

Brazil is set to face France on Thursday, March 27, in a match that will serve as one of the last auditions for several players looking to secure a spot in the Canarinha squad for the World Cup. When Carlo Ancelotti announced his roster, Neymar’s omission became one of the most debated topics surrounding the squad, with the Italian manager continuing to field questions about the decision given that the Santos forward still holds captain status with the national team.

In an interview with Globo Esporte, Mbappe was asked whether Brazil is now Vinicius‘ team or whether that distinction still belongs to Neymar, and the Frenchman gave an candid answer: “I think it can belong to both. The truth is that Vini needs to take another step forward with the national team now, but Neymar is Neymar.“

Having played alongside both Brazilian stars, first with Neymar at PSG and now with Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid, Mbappe made clear he is firmly in the Santos forward’s corner when it comes to the World Cup. “Neymar is a great player; the World Cup is the competition of the stars, all the stars are here, and in my book, Neymar is one of the biggest stars,” he stated.