Brazil's Undisputed Star? Neymar Jr's World Cup Race Against Time
As the French winger was crowned the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his third injury of the year - simultaneously taking part in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran football star ultimately finished as runner-up, collecting around seventy-three thousand pounds in prize money.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to observe the player who once replaced him at Barcelona lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After coming back to his youth team Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for similar incidents than for his football.
His homecoming after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to rediscover his best and, crucially, revive a love of football that seemed gone after frustrating spells 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 participate in the 2026 World Cup.
He's against the clock.
"Even the stars have to demonstrate that they are ready. The deadline approaches [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao stated in his regular feature.
On midweek, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician revealed his team selection for the upcoming games against South Korea and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was absent.
"O Principe", as he was dubbed when received at Santos in a nod toward the legend Pelé, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team for two years.
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 exhibition games in spring 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the announcement of the final list for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, carrying massive pressure on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu remarked.
"But no one wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our expectations on him at the moment is challenging because he finds it hard to even play multiple matches in a row."
'If Neymar is left out for technical reasons, something isn't right'
Not only has Neymar had repeated injury problems since his return to Brazil - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a distant from the player who during his peak competed with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's top flight - a scoring contribution against a lower-league side, followed by a goal and two assists versus another lower-division opponent, all in the regional competition.
As Santos battle against demotion in the Brazilian first tier, the number 10 no longer seems to be the decisive factor he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has maintained 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 doesn't matter if he's in the squad in autumn, late autumn or spring," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti stirred local controversy 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 disputed it, saying he "was excluded for tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my fitness level."
In terms of fan opinion, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to win the World Cup is excluded for performance issues, clearly there's a problem," Cafu commented.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Studies from a leading polling institute found that the Brazilian public are split over whether Neymar should be selected for his next global tournament.
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 increased agitation than usual, having exchanged words with fans multiple times in stadiums - it occurred in successive games in mid-year.
The following month, the forward was left in tears after Santos endured a six-goal loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the heaviest defeat of his career.
When asked by a reporter about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he showed irritation: "This topic again, friend? I've responded to this countless times already."
The similar query has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to remain for a limited period at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among supporters.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's prime period 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 injuries to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend notes similarities.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent appearance with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an overstatement from a minority who believe he's disregarding his fitness rehabilitation.
Those who have been in football recognize fully how hard it is to recover from an setback and restore form and self-belief. He's right on track."
The Santos star has a critical period ahead to demonstrate that he's not the prince who abandoned the throne.
