The Brazilian Undisputed Star? Neymar's Global Tournament Race Against Time
As Ousmane Dembele claimed the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his third injury of the year - simultaneously engaging in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old football star ultimately finished as runner-up, earning around £73,800 in tournament winnings.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to watch the player who once replaced him at Barcelona receive the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After coming back to his youth team Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for comparable situations than for his football.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was intended as a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, rekindle a passion for the game that seemed diminished after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal.
Instead, it has been largely underwhelming 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 demonstrate that they are prepared. The clock is ticking [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao stated in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti announced his squad for the upcoming games against South Korea and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was excluded.
"The Prince", as he was nicknamed when received at Santos in a nod toward the legend Pelé, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been missing from the national team for 24 months.
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 March 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the announcement of the final list for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's unquestioned talisman, shouldering massive pressure on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu said.
"But nobody wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our expectations on him at the moment is challenging because he has difficulty to even play three games in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns since his homecoming - he's missed nearly half of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was able to play, he was a distant from the player who during his zenith dared to challenge the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his several attacking returns so far, half have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's top flight - a scoring contribution against Agua Santa, followed by a goal and two assists versus Inter de Limeira, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.
As Santos battle against demotion in the top division, the number 10 no longer seems to be the game-changer he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has plenty of time to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His goal must be to be ready in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in October, November or spring," the coach told French media.
Ancelotti created local controversy last month by reportedly trying to shield Neymar, suggesting the star had been omitted from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was excluded for tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my physical condition."
In terms of popular view, it definitely didn't help for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to win the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, clearly there's a problem," Cafu said.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Research from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided 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 usual, having argued with fans multiple times in stadiums - it occurred in successive games in July.
The following month, the striker was left in tears after Santos endured a six-goal loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his professional life.
When asked by a journalist about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he became frustrated: "This topic again, friend? I've responded to this 500 times already."
The identical inquiry has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for a limited period at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing outrage among followers.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's peak years haven't ended 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 lead Brazil to the World Cup title.
The Brazilian great sees parallels.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo stated during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an misrepresentation from a small group who believe he's disregarding his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football recognize fully how hard it is to come back from an setback and regain form and self-belief. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a important timeframe ahead to demonstrate that he's not the heir who stepped away from greatness.
