The Brazilian Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar's World Cup Countdown Challenge
While the French winger received the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously engaging in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace eventually placed as runner-up, securing around seventy-three thousand pounds in tournament winnings.
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 consistently dreamed to win.
Since returning to his youth team Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, attracting more attention for similar incidents than for his football.
His return home 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 frustrating spells with PSG and Al Hilal.
Conversely, it has been widely disappointing for each stakeholder.
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 against the clock.
"All players have to prove that they are ready. The time is passing [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao stated in his newspaper column.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed his team selection for the upcoming games against South Korea and Japan and, once again, Neymar was excluded.
"The Prince", as he was nicknamed when received at Santos in a reference to the king Pele, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for two years.
He continues to be an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with just a pair of friendly matches in spring 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the announcement of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, shouldering enormous expectations on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu said.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the moment is challenging because he has difficulty to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not just has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his return to Brazil - he's been absent for 47% of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was available for selection, he was a far cry from the player who during his peak rivaled Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's first division - 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 fight relegation in the top division, the playmaker no longer seems to be the decisive factor he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has plenty of time to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His objective 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 caused local discussion last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, claiming the star had been omitted from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was left out for technical reasons; it has no connection to my physical condition."
In terms of fan opinion, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to win the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, obviously there's a problem," Cafu said.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Studies from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be selected for his next global tournament.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems more on edge than normal, having confronted fans multiple times in stadiums - it occurred in three consecutive matches in July.
The following month, the striker was left in tears after Santos endured a six-goal loss at home by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his professional life.
When asked by a journalist about his physical state in a game aftermath discussion, he showed irritation: "This topic again, mate? I've responded to this 500 times already."
The identical inquiry has been posed to his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's intention was to spend a limited period at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he earlier stated, causing outrage among fans.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's prime period aren't over and that he will be able to revive his career the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to overcome criticism and injuries to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend notes similarities.
"He's a essential 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 small group who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football recognize fully how challenging it is to return from an injury and regain form and self-belief. He's moving forward."
The Santos star has a important timeframe ahead to show that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.
