Luiz Henrique said he would play to play alongside Neymar at the World Cup. The latter has not played for Brazil since 2023 due to injury and performance issues. | Photo Credit: AFP

It has been 24 years since Brazil, the most successful nation in World Cup history, last lifted the trophy, and forward Luiz Henrique said the team must use that pressure as motivation when the tournament begins in June.

The winger, who plays for Russia’s Zenit, was a baby when five-time champion Brazil last won the World Cup in 2002.

He is one of head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s key attacking options for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico as Brazil grapples with multiple injuries.

“Pressure is always a good thing. In football, and especially with the national team, pressure is ever-present. We have to channel that pressure into motivation,” Henrique, 25, told AFP in an interview from Saint Petersburg.

He said he “feels deeply” for defender Eder Militao and forward Estevao, who are both out with hamstring injuries, and Rodrygo, who has suffered a severe knee injury.

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“I am going to wait for Ancelotti’s decision and see if he selects me. I want to play, to be in the starting eleven, and if he chooses me, I will do exactly what I have always done: give it my absolute best.”

The veteran Italian coach, appointed in May last year, has vowed to take Brazil back to the top.

Henrique said it was an honour working with “someone who has been a winner for so long”.

“He helps a footballer evolve and instils a sense of calm in the players, allowing us to showcase our best football.”

Ancelotti is expected to name his final World Cup squad on May 18.

Henrique said he would “love to play with Neymar”, who has not played for Brazil since 2023 due to a serious knee injury but still hopes to be called up this year.

Published on May 07, 2026