The Brazilian Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar's World Cup Countdown Challenge
As Ousmane Dembele was crowned the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his third injury of the year - simultaneously engaging in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace ultimately finished as second place, securing around seventy-three thousand pounds in prize money.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to watch the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona receive the award he had long hoped to win.
After returning to his youth team Santos in January, the experienced attacker has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for episodes like this than for his football.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to regain his form and, crucially, revive a passion for the game that seemed lost after frustrating spells with PSG and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been generally unsatisfactory for each stakeholder.
Such is the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will participate in the 2026 World Cup.
He's against the clock.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are prepared. The deadline approaches [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao commented in his newspaper column.
On Wednesday, Brazil manager the Italian tactician disclosed his team selection for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and Japan and, once again, Neymar was absent.
"The Prince", as he was nicknamed when received at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for 24 months.
He also remains an injury doubt for the November games, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with just a pair of exhibition games in March 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the revealing of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, bearing enormous expectations on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu remarked.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. 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 only has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his homecoming - he's missed 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 dared to challenge Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's top flight - a goal and assist against Agua Santa, followed by a three goal involvements versus another lower-division opponent, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.
As Santos battle against demotion in the top division, the number 10 no longer seems to be the decisive factor he once was.
Despite that, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has sufficient months to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be prepared in June. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in October, late autumn or March," the coach told French media.
Ancelotti caused local controversy last month by reportedly trying to shield Neymar, claiming the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was left out for technical reasons; it has nothing to do with my physical condition."
In terms of popular view, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have invested our faith in to deliver the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, evidently there's a problem," Cafu said.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Polls from Datafolha found that the Brazilian public are divided over whether Neymar should be included for his next global tournament.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't helped his case much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems more on edge than normal, having argued with fans multiple times in venues - it occurred in successive games in July.
The next month, the forward was reduced to crying after Santos suffered a 6-0 loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his professional life.
When asked by a journalist about his fitness condition in a post-match interview, he also lost his patience: "Again with this, friend? I've answered this 500 times already."
The identical inquiry has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to spend five months at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among followers.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's prime period remain possible and that he will be able to revive his career the same way forward Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome doubt and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great notes comparisons.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent event with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's ignoring his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football understand completely how hard it is to recover from an injury and regain rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Santos star has a critical period ahead to prove that he's not the heir who relinquished his status.
