The Brazilian Undisputed Star? Neymar Jr's World Cup Race Against Time
As the French winger claimed the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was receiving treatment for his third injury of the year - while participating in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran football star ultimately finished as runner-up, collecting around seventy-three thousand pounds in tournament winnings.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to watch the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona claim the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
Since returning to his boyhood club Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for similar incidents than for his on-field performances.
His homecoming after 12 seasons away was meant to be a chance for him to return to peak condition and, crucially, rekindle a love of football that seemed diminished after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been widely disappointing for each stakeholder.
This reflects the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will be part of the upcoming global tournament.
He's running out of time.
"All players have to demonstrate that they are fit. The deadline approaches [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao commented in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil manager the Italian tactician revealed his team selection for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and Japan and, once again, Neymar was not in it.
"O Principe", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the legend PelÃĐ, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for 24 months.
He continues to be an injury doubt for the November games, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with just a pair of exhibition games in March 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the revealing of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's unquestioned talisman, carrying enormous expectations on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu remarked.
"But nobody wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our hopes on him at the moment is problematic because he struggles to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not just has Neymar had various physical concerns since his homecoming - he's been absent for 47% of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was able to play, he was a distant from the player who during his prime competed with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's first division - a goal and assist against a lower-league side, followed by a three goal involvements versus another lower-division opponent, all in the regional competition.
As Santos battle against demotion in the Brazilian first tier, the playmaker no longer seems to be the game-changer he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has sufficient months to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His goal must be to be prepared in summer. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in autumn, late autumn or spring," the coach told French media.
Ancelotti caused local debate last month by reportedly trying to protect Neymar, suggesting the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was excluded for technical reasons; it has no connection to my physical condition."
In terms of popular view, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to deliver the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, clearly issues exist," Cafu commented.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Studies from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be called up for his fourth World Cup.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems greater frustration than usual, having argued with fans on several occasions in stadiums - it happened in successive games in mid-year.
The next month, the striker was emotional after Santos endured a 6-0 loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his career.
When questioned by a journalist about his fitness condition in a post-match interview, he also lost his patience: "Again with this, mate? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The similar query has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to spend five months at Santos. To what end? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing displeasure among supporters.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's best days aren't over and that he will be able to revive his career the same way forward Ronaldo "FenÃīmeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome doubt and physical setbacks 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 appearance with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an misrepresentation from a minority who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football knows perfectly how difficult it is to come back from an injury and regain rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a important timeframe ahead to demonstrate that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.
