The Brazilian Unquestioned Star? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
While the French winger received 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 football star eventually placed as runner-up, collecting around seventy-three thousand pounds in tournament winnings.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona claim the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After coming back to his boyhood club Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, attracting more attention for comparable situations than for his on-field performances.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, restore a love of football that seemed lost after frustrating spells with PSG and the Saudi club.
Instead, 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 be part of the 2026 World Cup.
He's against the clock.
"All players have to prove that they are fit. The time is passing [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao stated in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician disclosed his team selection for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was excluded.
"The Prince", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team for two years.
He continues to be an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, 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 final list for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, bearing huge responsibility on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu stated.
"But nobody wins the World Cup alone. Placing all our expectations on him at the moment is difficult 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 repeated injury problems since his homecoming - he's missed 47% of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was able to play, he was a different to the player who during his prime rivaled 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 scoring contribution against a lower-league side, followed by a goal and two assists versus Inter de Limeira, all in the regional competition.
As Santos fight relegation in the Brazilian first tier, the playmaker no longer seems to be the difference maker he once was.
Despite that, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has plenty of time to show he is fit 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, late autumn or March," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti created local debate last month by reportedly trying to protect Neymar, suggesting the star had been excluded from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was excluded 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 placed all our hopes on to deliver the World Cup is left out for performance issues, clearly there's a problem," Cafu observed.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Research from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be selected 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 behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems increased agitation than usual, having confronted fans multiple times in stadiums - it occurred in successive games in July.
The next month, the striker was reduced to crying after Santos endured a six-goal loss at home by their rivals - the biggest loss of his career.
When asked by a reporter about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he also lost his patience: "Again with this, mate? I've responded to this 500 times already."
The same kind of question has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for five months at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing displeasure among fans.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's prime period remain possible and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome criticism and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend notes comparisons.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo said 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 knows perfectly how difficult it is to return from an injury and restore rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well."
The Santos star has a important timeframe ahead to show that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.
