The Brazilian Undisputed Star? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Race Against Time
While Ousmane Dembele claimed the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, Neymar was undergoing therapy for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously taking part in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old football star ultimately finished as runner-up, collecting around seventy-three thousand pounds in prize money.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had long hoped to win.
Since coming back to his boyhood club Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for comparable situations than for his on-field performances.
His homecoming after a dozen campaigns away was intended as a chance for him to regain his form and, most importantly, rekindle a love of football that seemed gone after frustrating spells with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been generally unsatisfactory for everyone concerned.
This reflects the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will participate in the upcoming global tournament.
He's facing a deadline.
"All players have to demonstrate that they are prepared. The time is passing [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao commented in his newspaper column.
On Wednesday, Brazil manager the Italian tactician announced 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 nicknamed when received at Santos in a reference to the king Pele, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for 24 months.
He continues to be an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with just a pair of exhibition games in spring 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the revealing of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, carrying enormous expectations on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu remarked.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our hopes on him at the present time is problematic because he has difficulty 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 return to Brazil - 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 zenith competed with Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's top flight - a goal and assist against a lower-league side, followed by a three goal involvements versus Inter de Limeira, all in the regional competition.
As Santos battle against demotion in the top division, the number 10 no longer seems to be the difference maker he once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has plenty of time to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be ready in June. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in autumn, November or spring," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti caused local controversy last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, suggesting the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was left out for tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my physical condition."
In terms of fan opinion, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to deliver the World Cup is left out for performance issues, evidently something isn't right," Cafu commented.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Research from a leading polling institute found that the Brazilian public are split 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 conduct during matches either.
He seems more on edge than normal, having exchanged words with fans repeatedly in venues - it happened 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 professional life.
When questioned by a journalist about his physical state in a game aftermath discussion, he showed irritation: "Again with this, friend? I've responded to this 500 times already."
The similar query has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to remain for five months at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, amen," he previously explained, causing displeasure among followers.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's best days haven't ended and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to overcome doubt and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend observes comparisons.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent appearance with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an exaggeration from a small group who believe he's ignoring his fitness rehabilitation.
Those who have been in football knows perfectly how challenging it is to recover from an setback and recover rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well."
The Santos star has a critical period ahead to show that he's not the heir who stepped away from greatness.
