Brazil's Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar's World Cup Countdown Challenge
As Ousmane Dembele claimed the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, Neymar was lying in bed for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously participating in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran Brazilian ace eventually placed as second place, collecting around seventy-three thousand pounds in prize money.
It was limited solace on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona receive the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
Since returning to his boyhood club Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, attracting more attention for episodes like this than for his football.
His homecoming after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to return to peak condition and, most importantly, restore a passion for the game that seemed gone after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been widely disappointing for everyone concerned.
Such is the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will be part of the upcoming global tournament.
He's running out of time.
"All players have to prove that they are ready. The deadline approaches [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao wrote in his regular feature.
On midweek, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician announced his team selection for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and Japan and, once again, Neymar was excluded.
"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when received at Santos in a nod toward the legend Pelé, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for two years.
He continues to be an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, 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 clear standout, bearing enormous expectations on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu said.
"But nobody wins the World Cup alone. Placing all our hopes on him at the present time is difficult because he has difficulty to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns since his homecoming - he's been absent for nearly half 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 the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's first division - a scoring contribution against a lower-league side, followed by a goal and two assists versus another lower-division opponent, 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 asserted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His goal must be to be prepared in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in October, late autumn or March," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti created local controversy last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, stating the star had been omitted from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was left out for tactical decisions; it has no connection to my fitness level."
In terms of fan opinion, it definitely didn't help for Neymar.
"If the player we have invested our faith in to deliver the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, evidently issues exist," Cafu commented.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Polls from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be selected for his next global tournament.
With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems more on edge than normal, having confronted fans multiple times in venues - it happened in successive games in mid-year.
The next month, the striker was emotional after Santos suffered a 6-0 loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his career.
When asked by a journalist about his physical state in a post-match interview, he showed irritation: "This topic again, mate? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The identical inquiry has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to spend five months at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he previously explained, causing outrage among followers.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's peak years haven't ended and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way forward Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to surmount doubt and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The Brazilian great sees comparisons.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo stated during a recent appearance with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an misrepresentation from a minority who believe he's disregarding his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football knows perfectly how difficult it is to return from an setback and regain rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well."
The Brazilian forward has a important timeframe ahead to prove that he's not the heir who abandoned the throne.
