Brazil's Undisputed Star? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Race Against Time
As the French winger claimed the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, Neymar was lying in bed for his third injury of the year - simultaneously taking part in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old football star eventually placed as second place, earning around ÂŁ73,800 in tournament winnings.
It was limited solace on a day when he had to witness the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had long hoped to win.
Since returning to his boyhood club Santos in January, the experienced attacker has failed to live up to expectations, attracting more attention for similar incidents than for his football.
His return home after 12 seasons away was meant to be a chance for him to rediscover his best and, crucially, restore a passion for the game that seemed diminished after frustrating spells with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal.
Instead, it has been generally unsatisfactory for all parties involved.
Such is the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will make it to the 2026 World Cup.
He's facing a deadline.
"All players have to prove that they are fit. The time is passing [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao stated in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician revealed his team selection for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was absent.
"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when received at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for 24 months.
He also remains an fitness concern for the November games, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with just a pair of friendly matches in March 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the announcement of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, bearing enormous expectations on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu remarked.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our hopes on him at the moment is difficult because he finds it hard to even play three games in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns since his return to Brazil - he's missed 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 dared to challenge the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, five have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's top flight - a goal and assist against Agua Santa, followed by a three goal involvements versus another lower-division opponent, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.
As Santos fight relegation in the Brazilian first tier, the playmaker 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 goal must be to be ready in June. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in autumn, late autumn or spring," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti created local discussion last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, suggesting the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was left out for technical reasons; it has nothing to do with my fitness level."
In terms of fan opinion, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to deliver the World Cup is left out for performance issues, clearly something isn't right," Cafu observed.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Polls from Datafolha found that the Brazilian public are split over whether Neymar should be included for his fourth World Cup.
With his 79 goals, 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 multiple times in venues - it occurred in successive games in mid-year.
The next month, the forward was left in tears after Santos suffered a 6-0 loss at home by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his professional life.
When asked by a reporter about his physical state in a game aftermath discussion, he became frustrated: "Again with this, mate? I've responded to this 500 times already."
The similar query has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to spend a limited period at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he previously explained, 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 2002 to surmount doubt and injuries to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend sees comparisons.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent appearance with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"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 regain form and self-belief. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a important timeframe ahead to show that he's not the heir who abandoned the throne.
