The Brazilian Undisputed Star? Neymar Jr's World Cup Race Against Time
As the French winger was crowned the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his third injury of the year - while taking part in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran Brazilian ace ultimately finished as runner-up, securing around £73,800 in prize money.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to witness the player who once replaced him at Barcelona lift the award he had long hoped to win.
Since coming back to his youth team Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for comparable situations than for his football.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to rediscover his best and, crucially, restore a passion for the game that seemed gone after disappointing periods with PSG and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been largely underwhelming 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 facing a deadline.
"All players have to demonstrate that they are ready. The time is passing [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao commented in his regular feature.
On midweek, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed his squad for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was absent.
"O Principe", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a reference to the legend Pelé, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been missing from the national team for two years.
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 demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the announcement of the final list for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, carrying massive pressure on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu remarked.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the present time is difficult because he struggles to even play three games in a row."
'If Neymar is left out for technical reasons, something isn't right'
Not just has Neymar had various physical concerns since his return to Brazil - he's missed 47% of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was able to play, he was a different to the player who during his peak rivaled 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 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 number 10 no longer seems to be the game-changer he once was.
Despite that, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has sufficient months 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, November or spring," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti created local controversy last month by reportedly trying to shield Neymar, claiming the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was excluded for technical reasons; it has no connection to my physical condition."
In terms of popular view, it definitely didn't help for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to win the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, obviously something isn't right," Cafu said.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Polls from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be selected for his fourth World Cup.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't helped his case much with his conduct during matches either.
He seems greater frustration than normal, having argued with fans multiple times in venues - it happened in three consecutive matches in July.
The following month, the striker was reduced to crying after Santos suffered a six-goal home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his professional life.
When asked by a journalist about his fitness condition in a post-match interview, he showed irritation: "Again with this, friend? I've answered this countless times already."
The similar query has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's intention was to spend a limited period at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, amen," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among followers.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's prime period remain possible and that he will be able to revive his career the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome doubt and injuries to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend sees comparisons.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo stated 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 fitness rehabilitation.
Those who have been in football understand completely how difficult it is to return from an setback and regain rhythm and confidence. He's moving forward."
The Brazilian forward has a critical period ahead to demonstrate that he's not the prince who stepped away from greatness.
