The Brazilian Unquestioned Star? Neymar's World Cup Race Against Time
As Ousmane Dembele claimed the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, the Brazilian sensation was receiving treatment for his third injury of the year - while participating in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran Brazilian ace ultimately finished as runner-up, earning around £73,800 in prize money.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona claim the award he had long hoped to win.
Since returning to his boyhood club Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for comparable situations than for his football.
His return home after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to regain his form and, most importantly, restore a passion for the game that seemed gone after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal.
Conversely, it has been generally unsatisfactory for all parties involved.
This reflects the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will participate in the upcoming global tournament.
He's against the clock.
"All players have to demonstrate that they are fit. The time is passing [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao wrote in his newspaper column.
On Wednesday, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti announced 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 dubbed when received at Santos in a reference to the king Pele, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team for two years.
He continues to be an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two friendly matches in March 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the announcement of the final list for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's unquestioned talisman, bearing huge responsibility on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu said.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the present time is challenging because he struggles to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not just has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his homecoming - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was available for selection, he was a distant from the player who during his peak competed with Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, five have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's top flight - a goal and assist against a lower-league side, followed by a three goal involvements versus another lower-division opponent, all in the regional competition.
As Santos battle against demotion in the Brazilian first tier, the playmaker no longer seems to be the game-changer he previously represented.
Despite that, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has sufficient months to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be ready in June. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in October, November or March," the coach told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti stirred local debate last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, suggesting the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was left out for technical reasons; it has no connection to my fitness level."
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 excluded for performance issues, clearly issues exist," Cafu observed.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Polls from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are divided 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 helped his case much with his conduct during matches either.
He seems greater frustration than usual, having exchanged words with fans repeatedly in stadiums - it occurred in three consecutive matches in mid-year.
The following month, the forward was left in tears after Santos suffered a six-goal loss at home by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his career.
When questioned by a reporter about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he showed irritation: "Again with this, mate? I've responded to this repeatedly already."
The identical inquiry has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to spend five months at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among followers.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's prime period haven't ended and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way striker Ronaldo "FenĂ´meno" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome doubt and injuries to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great notes similarities.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an overstatement from a small group who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.
Anyone who have been in football understand completely how difficult it is to come back from an setback and restore form and self-belief. He's moving forward."
The Santos star has a important timeframe ahead to demonstrate that he's not the prince who abandoned the throne.
