Neymar can lead Brazil to a record-extending sixth World Cup trophy following his return to fitness, according to Rivaldo.
Former Brazil star Rivaldo is delighted to see Neymar back in action after the Paris Saint-Germain star underwent surgery on a foot injury sustained against Marseille in February.
The 26-year-old came off the bench for Brazil to provide the breakthrough in last weekend’s friendly against Croatia, as he scored in their 2-0 World Cup warm-up victory.
Rivaldo, who won the World Cup with Brazil and wore the same number 10 shirt as Neymar, believes that the former Barcelona attacker is now ready to make his mark in Russia.
“Today, Neymar is the most important player in the national team and I believe he is going to be the Brazil captain at the World Cup,” Rivaldo told Goal during the Betfair road to Russia preview.
“He is the number 10 player, the number 10 player has a special responsibility. It is the most demanding position, especially for us in Brazil in our history.
“The number 10 player is the star of the team and you have more responsibility. For the Brazilian media, and also for the rest of the world, everyone is looking for the player wearing the number 10 shirt. Neymar, I believe, is prepared and ready. He is going to play with the number 10 shirt again.
“Brazil needs a player like Neymar at his best on the pitch because Neymar on the pitch gives more confidence to the other players. He is the most talked about player in the world and I believe he can be the star to help Brazil now win the World Cup.”