Brazil's Unquestioned Star? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
As Ousmane Dembele claimed the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously engaging in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran Brazilian ace ultimately finished as runner-up, securing around £73,800 in prize money.
It was limited solace on a day when he had to witness the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After returning to his boyhood club Santos in January, the experienced attacker has fallen short of 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, restore a passion for the game that seemed lost after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Conversely, 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 participate in the upcoming global tournament.
He's facing a deadline.
"Even the stars have to demonstrate that they are fit. The clock is ticking [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao commented in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician revealed his squad for the upcoming games against South Korea and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was not in it.
"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the legend Pelé, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for 24 months.
He continues to be an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with just a pair of friendly matches 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 undisputed star, carrying enormous expectations on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu stated.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the moment is difficult because he finds it hard to even play three games in a row."
'If Neymar is left out for technical reasons, something isn't right'
Not just 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 far cry from the player who during his prime dared to challenge Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, five have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's top flight - a scoring contribution 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 Brazilian first tier, the number 10 no longer seems to be the difference maker he once was.
Despite that, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has sufficient months 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 October, November or spring," the coach told French media.
Ancelotti caused local controversy last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, stating 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 invested our faith in to win the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, obviously something isn't right," Cafu said.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Polls from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be included for his fourth World Cup.
With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't helped his case much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems more on edge than usual, having argued with fans repeatedly in venues - it occurred in successive games in mid-year.
The next month, the forward was reduced to crying after Santos suffered a 6-0 loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the worst result of his professional life.
When asked by a journalist about his physical state in a post-match interview, he showed irritation: "Again with this, friend? I've responded to this 500 times already."
The similar query has been posed to his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's intention was to remain for a limited period at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he previously explained, causing displeasure among supporters.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's prime period aren't over and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to overcome doubt and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the World Cup title.
The Brazilian great sees parallels.
"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 misrepresentation from a minority who believe he's neglecting his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football knows perfectly how difficult it is to recover from an injury and restore form and self-belief. He's moving forward."
The Brazilian forward has a important timeframe ahead to show that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.
