Brazil's Undisputed Superstar? Neymar's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
As Ousmane Dembele was crowned the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his third injury of the year - while engaging in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace ultimately finished as second place, securing around seventy-three thousand pounds in prize money.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to observe the player who once replaced him at Barcelona receive the award he had long hoped 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 on-field performances.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, revive a love of football that seemed lost after frustrating spells with PSG and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been generally unsatisfactory for each stakeholder.
Such is the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will make it to the upcoming global tournament.
He's running out of time.
"Even the stars have to demonstrate that they are prepared. The clock is ticking [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao commented in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti disclosed his squad for the upcoming games against South Korea and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was excluded.
"O Principe", as he was dubbed when received at Santos in a nod toward 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 friendly matches in March 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the revealing of the final list for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, shouldering huge responsibility 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 moment is challenging 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 repeated injury problems since his homecoming - he's been absent for 47% of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was able to play, he was a distant from the player who during his peak dared to challenge Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, half have come against teams from lower tiers than 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 top division, the number 10 no longer seems to be the difference maker he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His goal must be to be ready in summer. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, late autumn or spring," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti created local controversy last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, stating the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was excluded for technical reasons; it has nothing to do with my physical condition."
In terms of fan opinion, it definitely didn't help for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to win the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, evidently there's a problem," Cafu observed.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Studies 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 historical leading marksman, but he hasn't helped his case much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems increased agitation than normal, having confronted fans on several occasions in stadiums - it occurred in three consecutive matches in July.
The next month, the forward was left in tears after Santos suffered a 6-0 loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his professional life.
When asked by a reporter about his fitness condition in a post-match interview, he became frustrated: "This topic again, friend? I've responded to this countless times already."
The similar query has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for a limited period at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among supporters.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's best days remain possible and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to surmount skepticism and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend sees comparisons.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent event with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's disregarding his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football recognize fully how difficult it is to recover from an injury and recover rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a important timeframe ahead to show that he's not the prince who abandoned the throne.