Brazil's Undisputed Star? Neymar Jr's World Cup Countdown Challenge
As Ousmane Dembele received the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his latest physical setback of the year - while engaging in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old football star ultimately finished as second place, securing around seventy-three thousand pounds in prize money.
It was limited solace on a day when he had to watch the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After returning 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 similar incidents than for his on-field performances.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was intended as a chance for him to regain his form and, most importantly, restore a love of football that seemed lost after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been widely disappointing for everyone concerned.
This reflects the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will participate in the 2026 World Cup.
He's against the clock.
"Even the stars have to demonstrate that they are prepared. The time is passing [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao stated in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his squad for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was excluded.
"The Prince", as he was nicknamed when welcomed back at Santos in a reference to the king Pele, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team for 24 months.
He also remains an fitness concern for the November games, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two friendly matches in spring 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the revealing of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, carrying huge responsibility on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu remarked.
"But nobody wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our expectations on him at the moment is difficult because he finds it hard to even play three games in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not only has Neymar had repeated injury problems since his return to Brazil - he's missed nearly half of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was available for selection, he was a far cry from the player who during his prime competed with Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's top flight - a goal and assist against Agua Santa, followed by a three goal involvements versus another lower-division opponent, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.
As Santos battle against demotion in the top division, the playmaker no longer seems to be the decisive factor he once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has sufficient months to show he is ready for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be ready in June. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, November or March," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti created local controversy last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, suggesting the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was excluded for technical reasons; it has nothing to do with my fitness level."
In terms of public perception, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to win the World Cup is left out for performance issues, obviously something isn't right," Cafu observed.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Studies from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be called up for his fourth World Cup.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems increased agitation than normal, having argued with fans on several occasions in venues - it happened in three consecutive matches in July.
The next month, the striker was emotional after Santos suffered a six-goal home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the heaviest defeat of his professional life.
When asked by a journalist about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he showed irritation: "Again with this, mate? I've answered this countless times already."
The identical inquiry has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for a limited period at Santos. To what end? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing outrage among fans.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's best days remain possible and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to overcome doubt and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great observes similarities.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo stated 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 recognize fully how challenging it is to recover from an injury and recover form and self-belief. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a important timeframe ahead to prove that he's not the prince who stepped away from greatness.
