Brazil's Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar's World Cup Countdown Challenge
As Ousmane Dembele received the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, Neymar was lying in bed for his third injury of the year - while taking part in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran Brazilian ace ultimately finished as runner-up, securing around seventy-three thousand pounds in tournament winnings.
It was partial comfort 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 fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for comparable situations than for his on-field performances.
His homecoming after 12 seasons away was meant to be a chance for him to rediscover his best and, crucially, rekindle a passion for the game that seemed diminished after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been largely underwhelming for everyone concerned.
This reflects the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will participate in the upcoming global tournament.
He's facing a deadline.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are prepared. The clock is ticking [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao stated in his newspaper column.
On Wednesday, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed his team selection for the upcoming games against South Korea and the Asian nation 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 national team for 24 months.
He also remains an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with just a pair of friendly matches in spring 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 undisputed star, shouldering huge responsibility on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu remarked.
"But no one wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our hopes on him at the moment is difficult because he has difficulty to even play three games in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not just has Neymar had various physical concerns since his return to Brazil - he's missed 47% of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a different to the player who during his prime 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 goal and assist against Agua Santa, followed by a three goal involvements versus another lower-division opponent, all in the regional competition.
As Santos fight relegation in the top division, the playmaker 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 objective must be to be ready in June. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in October, late autumn or March," the coach told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti created local debate last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, suggesting the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was excluded 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 invested our faith in to deliver the World Cup is excluded for performance issues, evidently something isn't right," Cafu commented.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Research from a leading polling institute found that the Brazilian public are divided over whether Neymar should be included for his fourth World Cup.
With his 79 goals, 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 more on edge than normal, having exchanged words with fans multiple times in venues - it occurred in successive games in mid-year.
The next month, the striker was left in tears after Santos endured a six-goal home defeat by their rivals - the worst result of his career.
When asked by a reporter about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he showed irritation: "This topic again, mate? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The similar query has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for a limited period at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, amen," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among supporters.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's best days remain possible and that he will be able to revive his career the same way forward Ronaldo "FenĂ´meno" did in 2002 to overcome criticism and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The Brazilian great observes parallels.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's disregarding his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football knows perfectly how challenging it is to recover from an injury 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.
