Brazil enter the World Cup round of 32 against Japan with debate around Neymar still intense, yet former striker Ronaldo Nazario believes the veteran forward remains the squad’s most reliable match-winner and can still carry Carlo Ancelotti’s side through the knockout phase if given full trust.

The Opta supercomputer rates Brazil’s chances of lifting a sixth World Cup at 6.7%, ranking Ancelotti’s team only fifth among contenders, behind France on 17.9%, Argentina on 17.1%, Spain on 13.4% and England on 10%, placing extra focus on individuals who can decide tense matches.

Despite those projections, Ronaldo argues that Brazil’s prospects hinge strongly on Neymar’s influence, even with Vinicius Junior leading the Golden Boot race on four goals. Ronaldo, who scored most goals at the 2002 World Cup, still views Neymar as the player most likely to change tight games.

Neymar was recalled for this World Cup almost three years after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament during international duty, a serious injury that raised questions about long-term fitness. The call-up surprised some observers, especially because the 34-year-old had limited recent minutes for Brazil before the tournament.

Ronaldo made clear that he still sees Neymar as Brazil’s most decisive attacker and urged Ancelotti to use that quality. He told L’Equipe exactly: “Neymar is decisive. I don’t see another player in the current squad with the same ability as him to win a match, Ronaldo told L’Equipe. So, if we can count on him, we cannot let the opportunity slip away. He was cleared by doctors, is physically fit and now has the chance to shut the mouths of all those who did not believe in him. I also lived my own return to the pitch in 2002, so I fully support Neymar. I’m excited and rooting for him. He no longer needs to prove his talent at the age of 34, but I hope his performances will shut the mouths of all those who have written him off, because there’s nothing like seeing a great athlete make a triumphant comeback.”

Neymar is already Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 international goals, yet arrived at the tournament carrying a hamstring problem suffered during preparations. That setback forced Neymar to miss Brazil’s opening two matches, again drawing attention to fitness concerns that have followed much of the recent career.

Neymar, Brazil World Cup records and rivals

The forward finally returned during the 3-0 win over Scotland, entering for the last 14 minutes. That appearance came 981 days after Neymar’s previous outing for Brazil and marked the first time Neymar had started a World Cup match on the bench across 14 tournament games.

That cameo also placed Neymar in select company, with the attacker becoming only the fourth player to appear for Brazil at four World Cups. Djalma Santos, Cafu and Pele are the only other names on that list, underlining Neymar’s long presence at the top international level.

Beyond Brazil’s internal questions, Ronaldo also assessed the wider field. When discussing main rivals, Ronaldo highlighted traditional powers and said: “France, Spain and Argentina play very good football; they are very competitive, and Germany are always dangerous, he said. They are Brazil’s biggest rivals for the trophy.”

Ronaldo’s warning about Germany matches statistical models, which give Thomas Tuchel’s team a 4.2% title chance. Historical signs are mixed for Brazil, with exits in four of the last six knockout ties, but they have avoided elimination in the first knockout stage since a 1-0 defeat to Argentina in 1990.