The Brazilian Unquestioned Superstar? 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 - while taking part in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace eventually placed 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 once replaced him at Barcelona claim the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
Since returning to his boyhood club Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for comparable situations than for his on-field performances.
His return home after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to return to peak condition and, crucially, restore a passion for the game that seemed diminished after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been largely underwhelming for all parties involved.
Such is the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will make it to the upcoming global tournament.
He's facing a deadline.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are prepared. The clock is ticking [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao wrote in his newspaper column.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician revealed his squad for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was not in it.
"The Prince", as he was nicknamed when received at Santos in a reference to the legend Pelé, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been missing from the national team for 24 months.
He also remains an fitness concern for the November games, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two exhibition games in March 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the announcement of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, carrying massive pressure on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu remarked.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the present time is difficult because he finds it hard to even play three games in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not just has Neymar had various physical concerns since his return to Brazil - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a different to the player who during his peak competed with Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's top flight - a goal and assist against Agua Santa, followed by a goal and two assists versus another lower-division opponent, 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 previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be ready in June. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, late autumn or spring," the coach told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti caused local controversy last month by reportedly trying to shield Neymar, stating the star had been omitted from the team over fitness concerns.
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 certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have invested our faith in to deliver the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, obviously something isn't right," Cafu observed.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Polls from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be selected for his fourth World Cup.
With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his conduct during matches either.
He seems more on edge than usual, having confronted fans on several occasions in venues - it happened in three consecutive matches in July.
The following month, the forward was reduced to crying after Santos endured a six-goal home defeat by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his career.
When asked by a reporter about his physical state in a post-match interview, he became frustrated: "Again with this, mate? I've responded to this repeatedly already."
The identical inquiry has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to spend five months at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing anger among supporters.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's peak years aren't over and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to overcome doubt and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend observes similarities.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football knows perfectly how hard it is to return from an setback and recover form and self-belief. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a important timeframe ahead to prove that he's not the heir who abandoned the throne.