The Brazilian Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar's Global Tournament Race Against Time
As the French winger was crowned the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, Neymar was receiving treatment for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously taking part in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace eventually placed as second place, collecting around seventy-three thousand pounds in tournament winnings.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to witness the player who once replaced him at Barcelona receive the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After returning to his youth team Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, attracting more attention for comparable situations than for his on-field performances.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was intended as a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, revive a love of football that seemed lost after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal.
Conversely, it has been generally unsatisfactory for all parties involved.
This reflects the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will be part of the 2026 World Cup.
He's against the clock.
"All players have to demonstrate that they are fit. The deadline approaches [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao wrote in his newspaper column.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti disclosed his squad for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was excluded.
"O Principe", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a reference to the legend Pelé, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for two years.
He continues to be an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with just a pair of exhibition games in spring 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the revealing of the final list for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's unquestioned talisman, shouldering huge responsibility on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu stated.
"But no one wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our hopes on him at the moment is problematic because he struggles to even play three games in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not only has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his return to Brazil - he's missed nearly half of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a different to the player who during his prime dared to challenge the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, five have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's top flight - a scoring contribution against Agua Santa, followed by a three goal involvements versus Inter de Limeira, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.
As Santos battle against demotion in the Brazilian first tier, the number 10 no longer seems to be the game-changer he once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be ready in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in autumn, November or spring," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti stirred local discussion last month by reportedly trying to protect Neymar, claiming the star had been omitted from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was left out for technical reasons; 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 pinned our dreams on to deliver the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, clearly issues exist," Cafu said.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Polls from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be selected for his fourth World Cup.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't helped his case much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems more on edge than usual, having argued with fans on several occasions in venues - it happened in successive games in mid-year.
The next month, the striker was emotional after Santos suffered a six-goal loss at home by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his professional life.
When asked by a reporter about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he became frustrated: "This topic again, mate? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The similar query has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's intention was to spend a limited period at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar was able to feature, amen," he earlier stated, causing outrage among followers.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's best days aren't over and that he will be able to revive his career the same way forward Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to overcome doubt and injuries to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great sees comparisons.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an misrepresentation from a minority who believe he's ignoring his physical recovery.
Anyone who have been in football knows perfectly how challenging it is to come back from an setback and regain rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Santos star has a critical period ahead to prove that he's not the heir who relinquished his status.
