The Brazilian Undisputed Superstar? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
As the French winger received the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, Neymar was lying in bed for his latest physical setback of the year - while engaging in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old football star ultimately finished as runner-up, earning around seventy-three thousand pounds in prize money.
It was limited solace 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 coming back to his boyhood club Santos in January, the experienced attacker has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for episodes like this 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, crucially, rekindle a passion for the game that seemed diminished after frustrating spells with PSG and Al Hilal.
Conversely, it has been generally unsatisfactory for each stakeholder.
This reflects the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will be part of the 2026 World Cup.
He's against the clock.
"Even the stars have to demonstrate that they are prepared. The clock is ticking [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao commented in his regular feature.
On midweek, Brazil manager the Italian tactician disclosed his squad for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and Japan and, once again, Neymar was absent.
"O Principe", as he was dubbed when received at Santos in a reference to the king Pele, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for two years.
He also remains an injury doubt for the November games, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with only two friendly matches in spring 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the revealing of the final list for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's unquestioned talisman, bearing enormous expectations on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu said.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the present time is challenging because he finds it hard to even play three games in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not only has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his homecoming - he's missed nearly half of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was available for selection, he was a different to the player who during his zenith competed with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's first division - a goal and assist against Agua Santa, followed by a three goal involvements versus another lower-division opponent, all in the regional competition.
As Santos fight relegation in the top division, the playmaker no longer seems to be the game-changer he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has plenty of time to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His goal must be to be prepared in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in autumn, late autumn or March," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti created local discussion last month by reportedly trying to shield Neymar, stating the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was excluded for tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my physical condition."
In terms of public perception, it definitely didn't help for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to deliver the World Cup is left out for performance issues, clearly issues exist," Cafu said.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Studies from Datafolha found that Brazilians 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 improved his situation much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems increased agitation than usual, having confronted fans multiple times in venues - it happened in successive games in mid-year.
The next month, the forward was reduced to crying after Santos endured a 6-0 home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the worst result of his professional life.
When questioned by a reporter about his physical state in a game aftermath discussion, he showed irritation: "Again with this, mate? I've responded to this countless times already."
The same kind of question has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to spend five months at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar was able to feature, amen," he earlier stated, causing outrage among fans.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's best days remain possible and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to overcome criticism and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend observes parallels.
"He's a vital 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 small group who believe he's disregarding his physical recovery.
Anyone who have been in football understand completely how difficult it is to recover from an injury and restore rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Santos star has a important timeframe ahead to show that he's not the heir who stepped away from greatness.
