Brazil's Undisputed Star? Neymar Jr's World Cup Countdown Challenge
As Ousmane Dembele was crowned the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, Neymar was receiving treatment for his third injury of the year - while participating in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace ultimately finished as runner-up, securing around seventy-three thousand pounds in prize money.
It was limited solace on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
Since returning to his boyhood club Santos in January, the experienced attacker has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for comparable situations than for his football.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was intended as a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, rekindle a passion for the game that seemed gone after disappointing periods with PSG and Al Hilal.
Instead, it has been generally unsatisfactory for all parties involved.
Such is the situation that the main question being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will be part of the 2026 World Cup.
He's facing a deadline.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are fit. The clock is ticking [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao wrote in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician disclosed his team selection for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was absent.
"The Prince", as he was dubbed when received at Santos in a nod toward the legend Pelé, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for two years.
He continues to be an injury doubt for the November games, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with only two exhibition games in spring 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the revealing of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, bearing massive pressure on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu remarked.
"But no one wins the World Cup alone. Placing all our hopes on him at the moment is difficult because he finds it hard to even play three games in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not only has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his return to Brazil - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a distant from the player who during his peak dared to challenge the Argentine maestro 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 top division, the number 10 no longer seems to be the difference maker he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has plenty of time to show he is ready for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be ready in summer. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in autumn, November or March," the coach told French media.
Ancelotti created local debate last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, claiming the star had been excluded from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was excluded for tactical decisions; it has no connection to my physical condition."
In terms of public perception, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to win the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, evidently issues exist," Cafu commented.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Research from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be included for his next global tournament.
With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't helped his case much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems greater frustration than usual, having exchanged words with fans repeatedly in venues - it happened in three consecutive matches in July.
The next month, the forward was emotional after Santos suffered a 6-0 loss at home by their rivals - the biggest loss of his career.
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 responded to this repeatedly already."
The similar query has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to spend a limited period at Santos. To what end? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among followers.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's best days remain possible and that he will be able to revive his career the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to surmount criticism and injuries to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great notes comparisons.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo stated during a recent appearance with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an overstatement from a minority who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.
Anyone who have been in football knows perfectly how challenging it is to return from an injury and regain form and self-belief. He's right on track."
The Santos star has a important timeframe ahead to demonstrate that he's not the heir who relinquished his status.
