Brazil's Undisputed Superstar? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Race Against Time
While Ousmane Dembele claimed the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, Neymar was receiving treatment for his third injury of the year - while engaging in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old football star eventually placed as runner-up, securing around seventy-three thousand pounds in prize money.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had long hoped to win.
Since returning to his youth team Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for comparable situations than for his on-field performances.
His homecoming after 12 seasons away was meant to be a chance for him to regain his form and, most importantly, restore a passion for the game that seemed diminished after frustrating spells with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been largely underwhelming for all parties involved.
Such is the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will make it to the 2026 World Cup.
He's facing a deadline.
"Even the stars have to demonstrate that they are fit. The clock is ticking [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao stated in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil manager the Italian tactician revealed his team selection for the upcoming games against South Korea and Japan and, once again, Neymar was not in it.
"The Prince", as he was dubbed when received at Santos in a nod toward the legend Pelé, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for 24 months.
He also remains an fitness concern for the November games, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two exhibition games in March 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the announcement of the final list for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, carrying huge responsibility on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu remarked.
"But nobody wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our expectations on him at the present time is difficult because he struggles to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns since his return to Brazil - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was able to play, he was a different to the player who during his prime rivaled the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, five have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's top flight - a scoring contribution against a lower-league side, followed by a three goal involvements versus Inter de Limeira, all in the regional competition.
As Santos battle against demotion in the Brazilian first tier, the number 10 no longer seems to be the decisive factor he previously represented.
Despite that, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has plenty of time to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be prepared in June. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, November or March," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti caused local debate last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, claiming the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was left out for technical reasons; it has no connection to my physical condition."
In terms of fan opinion, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to win the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, clearly issues exist," Cafu commented.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Polls from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be called up for his fourth World Cup.
With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems increased agitation than normal, having exchanged words with fans multiple times in stadiums - it occurred in three consecutive matches in July.
The following month, the forward was emotional after Santos suffered a six-goal loss at home by their rivals - the worst result of his career.
When questioned by a journalist about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he showed irritation: "Again with this, mate? I've answered this 500 times already."
The identical inquiry has been posed to his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to spend a limited period at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing outrage among fans.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's best days aren't over and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome skepticism and injuries to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The Brazilian great notes parallels.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's neglecting his fitness rehabilitation.
Those who have been in football knows perfectly how hard it is to recover from an setback and regain form and self-belief. He's right on track."
The Santos star has a critical period ahead to prove that he's not the heir who abandoned the throne.