Although they were teammates for only two seasons (2013-2015), the duo of Xavi Hernández and Neymar Jr. left their mark on Barcelona. And not just because together they won a Champions League title, a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup, but because of the talent both players exuded 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 picks to win the 2026 World Cup.
Xavi recalls Ney at Barça and discusses his future in Brazil
During his time at Barça, Xavi provided order and controlled the tempo, while Neymar was the one who broke through the defense and finished plays alongside two other stars, Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez.
Beyond highlighting Leo’s talent, Xavi detailed the Brazilian star’s first steps with the team:
What I saw from Neymar during his first week with us was the closest thing to Messi. I haven’t seen any player as close to Messi as Neymar was when he joined Barça at age 21.
He also revealed that he tried to bring the Brazilian star back to the club while coaching the Blaugrana (alongside Messi and Pedro), but financial fair play and the club’s financial situation prevented it.
Meanwhile, the current Santos player is fighting to earn Carlo Ancelotti’s trust and play in his final World Cup this summer, though his injuries and lack of match fitness with the Canarinha could work against him.
In fact, Neymar was left off the roster for Brazil’s friendlies against Croatia and France in March, during which time he underwent a regenerative surgical procedure using platelet-rich plasma to accelerate his recovery, strengthen the joint tissue, and regain peak physical condition.
Regarding the Canarinha’s chances in the upcoming World Cup, to be held from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Xavi commented: “They can be champions. First, because Ancelotti is there-a coach who brings out the best in players-and second, because Brazil dominates at the World Cup. They have good players. Ancelotti always competes,” he assured.
“The other favorites are Spain, Argentina, France, and Portugal. I see Germany as less of a favorite. England could make a run as well,” he added. And of course, he didn’t forget Spain: “It would be fantastic to have two stars on the jersey. They deserve it. We’re a country that lives and breathes soccer. Luis de la Fuente is a great coach.”
Furthermore, Xavi didn’t rule out coaching Brazil: “Why not? I’m open to any project, both at the club and national team levels. Brazil is the cradle of soccer. I’m open to a great project that can win,” he admitted.
Meanwhile, after sitting out Saturday’s match against Bahia to prioritize rest, Neymar is preparing for the game on the 28th, when they’ll face San Lorenzo in Argentina for the Copa Sudamericana at 6:00 PM ET.
For his part, Ancelotti is set to announce the final World Cup roster on May 18, the date when we’ll finally find out whether Neymar’s name will be on it or not.
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