The Brazilian Unquestioned Star? Neymar's Global Tournament Race Against Time
As Ousmane Dembele received the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his latest physical setback of the year - while engaging in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace ultimately finished as second place, securing 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 the new year, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for similar incidents than for his football.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was intended as a chance for him to regain his form and, most importantly, rekindle a love of football that seemed diminished after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been widely disappointing for each stakeholder.
Such is the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will be part of the 2026 World Cup.
He's against the clock.
"All players have to prove that they are ready. The deadline approaches [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao commented in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed his team selection for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was absent.
"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when received at Santos in a nod toward the legend Pelé, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for 24 months.
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 March 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the revealing of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's unquestioned talisman, bearing massive pressure on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu stated.
"But nobody wins the World Cup alone. Placing all our expectations on him at the moment is challenging because he has difficulty to even play three games in a row."
'If Neymar is left out for technical reasons, something isn't right'
Not just has Neymar had repeated injury problems since his homecoming - he's been absent for 47% of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a far cry from the player who during his zenith competed with Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's top flight - a scoring contribution against Agua Santa, followed by a goal and two assists versus another lower-division opponent, all in the regional competition.
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 maintained that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be ready in summer. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, late autumn or spring," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti created local discussion last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, claiming the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was excluded for tactical decisions; it has no connection to my fitness level."
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 deliver the World Cup is excluded for performance issues, clearly something isn't right," Cafu commented.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Studies from a leading polling institute 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 improved his situation much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems more on edge than normal, having argued with fans repeatedly in stadiums - it occurred in three consecutive matches in mid-year.
The next month, the striker was reduced to crying after Santos endured a six-goal loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his professional life.
When asked by a reporter 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 was able to feature, amen," he previously explained, causing outrage 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 striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome doubt and injuries to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The Brazilian great notes similarities.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo stated during a recent appearance with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an exaggeration from a small group who believe he's disregarding his fitness rehabilitation.
Those who have been in football understand completely how hard it is to return from an injury and recover rhythm and confidence. He's moving forward."
The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to demonstrate that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.
