Brazil's Undisputed Star? Neymar's World Cup Countdown Challenge
As the French winger received the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his third injury of the year - simultaneously engaging in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old football star ultimately finished as runner-up, earning around seventy-three thousand pounds in tournament winnings.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to watch the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona receive the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After coming back to his boyhood club Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for similar incidents than for his on-field performances.
His return home after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to regain his form and, crucially, rekindle a passion for the game that seemed lost after frustrating spells with PSG and Al Hilal.
Instead, it has been largely underwhelming for all parties involved.
This reflects the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will make it to the upcoming global tournament.
He's facing a deadline.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are ready. The deadline approaches [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao wrote in his regular feature.
On midweek, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti announced his team selection for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and Japan and, once again, Neymar was not in it.
"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when received at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team 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 exhibition games in March 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, shouldering huge responsibility on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu remarked.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Placing all our expectations on him at the present time is problematic because he struggles to even play three games in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not just has Neymar had various physical concerns since his return to Brazil - he's been absent for 47% of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was able to play, he was a different to the player who during his peak competed with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his several attacking returns so far, half 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 another lower-division opponent, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.
As Santos battle against demotion in the Brazilian first tier, the playmaker no longer seems to be the decisive factor he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be prepared in summer. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, late autumn or spring," the coach told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti stirred local discussion last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, stating the star had been excluded from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was excluded 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 invested our faith in to deliver the World Cup is left out for performance issues, evidently something isn't right," Cafu observed.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Polls from a leading polling institute found that the Brazilian public are divided 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 improved his situation much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems more on edge than usual, having exchanged words with fans multiple times in venues - it happened in successive games in July.
The following month, the forward was left in tears after Santos suffered a six-goal loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the worst result of his professional life.
When questioned by a journalist about his fitness condition in a post-match interview, he also lost his patience: "This topic again, friend? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The similar query has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to spend a limited period at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, so be it," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among followers.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's peak years aren't over and that he will be able to revive his career the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome criticism and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend sees similarities.
"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 exaggeration from a minority who believe he's neglecting his fitness rehabilitation.
Those who have been in football understand completely how challenging it is to return from an injury and recover rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well."
The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to show that he's not the heir who relinquished his status.
