The Brazilian Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar's World Cup Race Against Time
While Ousmane Dembele was crowned the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, Neymar was receiving treatment for his latest physical setback of the year - while participating in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran Brazilian ace ultimately finished as second place, earning around £73,800 in prize money.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to witness the player who once replaced him at Barcelona lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After coming back to his boyhood club Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for comparable situations than for his football.
His return home after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to rediscover his best and, crucially, revive a passion for the game that seemed diminished after disappointing periods with PSG and Al Hilal.
Instead, it has been generally unsatisfactory for all parties involved.
This reflects the situation that the main question 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 ready. The time is passing [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao stated in his newspaper column.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his squad for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and Japan and, once again, Neymar was excluded.
"The Prince", as he was dubbed when received at Santos in a reference to the legend Pelé, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for 24 months.
He continues to be an injury doubt for the November games, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with just a pair of friendly matches in spring 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the revealing of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, shouldering huge responsibility on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu remarked.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Placing all our expectations on him at the moment is difficult because he struggles to even play three games in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not just has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his return to Brazil - 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 peak dared to challenge Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's top flight - a goal and assist against a lower-league side, followed by a goal and two assists versus another lower-division opponent, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.
As Santos fight relegation in the top division, the number 10 no longer seems to be the difference maker he once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has sufficient months to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be ready in June. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in October, November or spring," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti stirred local discussion last month by reportedly trying to protect Neymar, claiming the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was left out for tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my physical condition."
In terms of public perception, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to win the World Cup is excluded for performance issues, obviously something isn't right," Cafu said.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Polls from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be included for his fourth World Cup.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't helped his case much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems increased agitation than normal, having exchanged words with fans repeatedly in stadiums - it occurred in successive games in July.
The following month, the striker was left in tears after Santos suffered a 6-0 loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the heaviest defeat of his professional life.
When asked by a journalist about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he also lost his patience: "Again with this, friend? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The identical inquiry has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to spend a limited period at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among fans.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's best days aren't over and that he will be able to revive his career the same way forward Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to overcome skepticism and injuries to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great notes similarities.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo stated during a recent appearance with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an misrepresentation from a small group who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football understand completely how difficult it is to recover from an setback and restore rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well."
The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to show that he's not the prince who stepped away from greatness.
