Brazil's Unquestioned Star? Neymar Jr's World Cup Race Against Time
While Ousmane Dembele claimed the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, Neymar was lying in bed for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously participating in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran Brazilian ace ultimately finished as runner-up, collecting around £73,800 in tournament winnings.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to watch the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona receive the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
Since coming back to his youth team Santos in January, the experienced attacker has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for comparable situations than for his on-field performances.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to regain his form and, crucially, rekindle a passion for the game that seemed lost after disappointing periods with PSG and Al Hilal.
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 be part of the upcoming global tournament.
He's against the clock.
"All players have to demonstrate that they are ready. The time is passing [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao wrote in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician revealed his team selection for the upcoming games against South Korea and the Asian nation and, yet again, Neymar was not in it.
"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for 24 months.
He also remains an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, 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 unquestioned talisman, 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 hopes on him at the present time is problematic because he finds it hard to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not just has Neymar had repeated injury problems since his homecoming - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was able to play, he was a different to the player who during his prime dared to challenge the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's first division - a goal and assist against a lower-league side, 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 number 10 no longer seems to be the decisive factor he once was.
Despite that, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be prepared in June. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in autumn, November or spring," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti created local discussion last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, claiming the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was excluded for technical reasons; it has nothing to do with my physical condition."
In terms of public perception, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to win the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, evidently there's a problem," Cafu commented.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Polls from a leading polling institute found that the Brazilian public are split over whether Neymar should be included for his fourth World Cup.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't helped his case much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems more on edge than usual, having exchanged words with fans multiple times in venues - it happened in successive games in mid-year.
The following month, the striker was left in tears after Santos endured a six-goal home defeat by their rivals - the biggest loss of his professional life.
When questioned by a reporter about his physical state in a post-match interview, he became frustrated: "This topic again, mate? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The identical inquiry has been posed to his parent representative 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, amen," he previously explained, causing displeasure among fans.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's peak years aren't over and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to surmount doubt and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great observes parallels.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent appearance with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an misrepresentation from a small group who believe he's ignoring his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football understand completely how challenging it is to come back from an injury and recover form and self-belief. He's moving forward."
The Brazilian forward has a important timeframe ahead to demonstrate that he's not the prince who abandoned the throne.
