The Brazilian Undisputed Star? Neymar's Global Tournament Race Against Time
As the French winger was crowned the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his third injury of the year - simultaneously participating in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old football star ultimately finished as runner-up, collecting around £73,800 in tournament winnings.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona receive the award he had long hoped to win.
After returning to his boyhood club Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for episodes like this than for his football.
His return home after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, revive a passion for the game that seemed lost after frustrating spells with PSG and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been widely disappointing for everyone concerned.
Such is the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will be part of the 2026 World Cup.
He's facing a deadline.
"Even the stars have to demonstrate that they are prepared. The clock is ticking [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao commented in his newspaper column.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician disclosed his squad for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and the Asian nation and, yet again, Neymar was not in it.
"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 missing from the national team for two years.
He also remains an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with only two exhibition games in spring 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the announcement of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's unquestioned talisman, carrying huge responsibility on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu remarked.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the present time is difficult because he struggles 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 multiple fitness issues since his homecoming - he's been absent for 47% of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a far cry from the player who during his peak competed with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's first division - a goal and assist against a lower-league side, followed by a three goal involvements 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 decisive factor he once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has plenty of time to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be prepared in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in October, November or spring," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti caused local discussion last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, stating the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was excluded for tactical decisions; it has no connection to my fitness level."
In terms of popular view, it definitely didn't help for Neymar.
"If the player we have invested our faith in to deliver the World Cup is left out for performance issues, obviously something isn't right," Cafu commented.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Research from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be included for his next global tournament.
With his 79 goals, 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 exchanged words with fans multiple times in venues - it occurred in successive games in mid-year.
The following month, the striker was left in tears after Santos suffered a six-goal home defeat by their rivals - the biggest loss of his career.
When questioned by a reporter about his physical state in a game aftermath discussion, he showed irritation: "Again with this, friend? I've answered this countless times already."
The same kind of question has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for five months at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, so be it," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among followers.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's best days haven't ended and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in the 2002 World Cup to surmount skepticism and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend sees 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 misrepresentation from a minority who believe he's ignoring his fitness rehabilitation.
Those who have been in football knows perfectly how difficult it is to come back from an injury and restore form and self-belief. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a critical period ahead to prove that he's not the heir who relinquished his status.
