aAlthough they were team-mates for just two seasons (2013-2015), the duo of Xavi Herndez and Neymar Jr. left their mark on Barcelona. And it’s not just because they won the Champions League title, La Liga title, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup together, but also because of the talent that both players exude on the field.
Now, in an interview with Xavi on Romario’s YouTube channel, the 46-year-old former player and coach recalled Neymar’s early days and revealed his choices to win the 2026 World Cup.
Xavi remembers Ney with rose and talks about future in Brazil
Barcelona unveil upgraded locker room ahead of new era
During his time at Bara, Xavi provided order and controlled the tempo, while Neymar, along with two other stars, Lionel Messi and Luis Sules, penetrated the defense and finished the play.
As well as highlighting Leo’s talent, Xavi also detailed the Brazilian star’s first steps in the team:
What we saw from Neymar in his first week with us was the closest thing to Messi. I have never seen a player as close to Messi as Neymar was when he joined Bara at the age of 21.
He also revealed that he had tried to bring the Brazilian star back to the club when he was managing the Blaugrana (along with Messi and Pedro), but Financial Fair Play and the club’s financial situation prevented that from happening.
Meanwhile, the current Santos player has earned the trust of manager Carlo Ancelotti and is fighting to play in the final World Cup of the summer, but injuries and lack of match fitness in Canarinha could work against him.
In fact, Neymar was left out of Brazil’s squad for friendly matches against Croatia and France in March, during which time he underwent regenerative surgery using platelet-rich plasma to speed up his recovery, strengthen his joint tissues and return him to peak physical condition.
Regarding Canarinha’s chances at the upcoming World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19, Xavi asserted: “They can be champions. Firstly, because they have Ancelotti, a manager who brings out the best in his players. Secondly, because Brazil are dominant in the World Cup. They have good players. Ancelotti is always competing.”
“The other favorites to win are Spain, Argentina, France and Portugal. I don’t think Germany is that much of a favorite. England could also win,” he added. And of course I didn’t forget about Spain. “It would be great to have two stars on the jersey. They deserve it. We are a country that lives and breathes football. Luis de la Fuente is a great coach.”
Furthermore, Xavi did not rule out the possibility of coaching Brazil. “Why not? I’m open to any project at club level or national team level. Brazil is the birthplace of football. I’m open to any great project where we can win,” he admitted.
Meanwhile, Neymar is preparing for Saturday’s Copa Sudamericana match against Argentina’s San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana, starting at 6pm ET after missing Saturday’s game against Bahia to prioritize rest.
Ancelotti is set to announce his final World Cup squad on May 18, and it will be finally known whether Neymar’s name will be included on that day.
