Brazil's Undisputed Superstar? Neymar Jr's World Cup Race Against Time
As Ousmane Dembele claimed the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his third injury of the year - while engaging in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace eventually placed as runner-up, securing around £73,800 in tournament winnings.
It was limited solace on a day when he had to watch the player who once replaced him at Barcelona claim the award he had long hoped to win.
Since coming back to his youth team Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for comparable situations 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, revive a passion for the game that seemed diminished after disappointing periods with PSG and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been widely disappointing for everyone concerned.
This reflects the situation that the main question being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will make it to the upcoming global tournament.
He's against the clock.
"All players have to demonstrate that they are prepared. The time is passing [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao wrote in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his team selection for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was absent.
"O Principe", as he was dubbed when received at Santos in a nod toward the legend Pelé, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for two years.
He also remains an fitness concern for the November games, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, 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.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, bearing enormous expectations on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu stated.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Placing all our hopes on him at the present time is difficult because he finds it hard to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not only has Neymar had repeated injury problems since his homecoming - he's been absent for 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 peak dared to challenge the Argentine maestro 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 Agua Santa, 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 previously represented.
Despite that, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His goal 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 caused local debate last month by reportedly trying to shield Neymar, claiming the star had been excluded from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was left out for tactical decisions; it has no connection to my physical condition."
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 win the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, clearly there's a problem," Cafu observed.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Studies from Datafolha found that the Brazilian public are split over whether Neymar should be included for his next global tournament.
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 normal, having confronted fans multiple times in stadiums - it happened in successive games in mid-year.
The next month, the striker was reduced to crying after Santos suffered a six-goal loss at home by their rivals - the biggest loss of his career.
When asked by a reporter about his physical state in a game aftermath discussion, he also lost his patience: "This topic again, friend? I've responded to this repeatedly already."
The identical inquiry has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to spend a limited period at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he earlier stated, causing outrage among fans.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's peak years remain possible and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way forward Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome criticism and injuries to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great notes comparisons.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent appearance with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's ignoring his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football recognize fully how hard it is to return from an injury and recover rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to show that he's not the prince who stepped away from greatness.
