Xavi Evaluates Neymar’s Legacy and Identifies Brazil as World Cup Favourites

Xavi Hernández, the legendary Spanish midfielder and former Barcelona manager, has garnered significant attention following a comprehensive assessment of his former teammate Neymar Jr. In an extensive interview, Xavi discussed the historical significance of Neymar’s talent, the tactical evolution of football, and his predictions for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Messi Comparison and the Barcelona Era

Reflecting on the period between 2013 and 2015, during which both players represented FC Barcelona, Xavi recalled the immediate impact the Brazilian forward had upon his arrival in Europe. Speaking on a YouTube channel hosted by the Brazilian icon Romário, Xavi asserted that Neymar, at the age of 21, was the closest talent he had ever witnessed to Lionel Messi.

“During the first week with us, it was evident that if anyone was close to Messi, it was Neymar. When he joined Barcelona at 21, I hadn’t seen anyone else reach that proximity to Leo’s level.”

The partnership proved exceptionally fruitful, resulting in a continental treble during the 2014-2015 season. Alongside Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi, Neymar formed part of the “MSN” attacking trio, widely regarded as one of the most formidable offensive units in football history. Xavi explained the tactical synergy of the era, noting that while he was responsible for dictating the tempo and rhythm of the game from the midfield, Neymar provided the explosive penetration required to dismantle opposition defences.

Managerial Intentions and Financial Constraints

Xavi further revealed that during his tenure as the manager of FC Barcelona, he had explored the possibility of re-signing Neymar. However, the club’s well-documented economic instability and the stringent regulations of La Liga’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) policy rendered the move impossible. Despite the mutual interest in a reunion, the financial burden of such a transfer proved an insurmountable obstacle for the Catalan club at the time.

Neymar’s Path to the 2026 World Cup

Currently representing his boyhood club, Santos, Neymar is engaged in a rigorous recovery process to reclaim his place in the Brazilian national team. His primary objective is to feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup under the management of Carlo Ancelotti. However, his journey has been marred by persistent injury concerns and a lack of match fitness.

Neymar was notably absent from Brazil’s recent friendly fixtures against Croatia and France in March. Reports indicate that he has undergone Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to accelerate his recovery. Whilst he opted to sit out a recent domestic fixture to facilitate further rest, he is expected to return to the pitch on 28 April for a Copa Sudamericana encounter against the Argentine side San Lorenzo. The final decision regarding his inclusion in the World Cup squad will be revealed on 18 May, the date scheduled for the official squad announcement.

World Cup Predictions and Favourites

Looking ahead to the 2026 tournament, which is set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from 11 June to 19 July, Xavi identified Brazil as the primary contenders for the trophy. His optimism is based on two factors:

1. Management: The presence of Carlo Ancelotti, whom Xavi describes as a manager capable of extracting the absolute peak performance from his players.

2. Historical Pedigree: Brazil’s perennial status as a powerhouse in international football.

Beyond Brazil, Xavi’s shortlist of favourites includes the defending champions Argentina, Spain, France, and Portugal. He also identified England as a potential “surprise” package capable of a deep run. Conversely, he noted that Germany no longer possesses the dominant aura of previous decades. Regarding his native Spain, Xavi expressed a desire to see a “second star” added to the national jersey, remarking that Spain is a nation where football is “as essential as breathing.”

Future Ambitions

In a concluding remark that has sparked speculation regarding the next phase of his career, Xavi did not dismiss the possibility of managing the Brazilian national team in the future. He stated that he remains open to significant projects, whether at the club or international level, describing Brazil as the “cradle of football” and an enticing prospect for any coach aiming to secure major honours.