Brazil's Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar Jr's World Cup Countdown Challenge
While the French winger was crowned 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 online poker tournament.
The veteran football star eventually placed as second place, securing around seventy-three thousand pounds in prize money.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to witness the player who once replaced him at Barcelona lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
Since returning to his youth team Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for comparable situations than for his football.
His homecoming after 12 seasons away was meant to be a chance for him to regain his form and, crucially, rekindle a passion for the game that seemed lost after frustrating spells with PSG and Al Hilal.
Instead, it has been largely underwhelming 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 2026 World Cup.
He's against the clock.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are fit. The deadline approaches [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao wrote in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil manager the Italian tactician announced his team selection for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was absent.
"The Prince", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team for 24 months.
He continues to be an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with only two exhibition games 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 undisputed star, shouldering huge responsibility on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu said.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Placing all our hopes on him at the present time is challenging because he has difficulty to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns since his return to Brazil - 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 prime competed with the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, half have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's first division - 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 battle against demotion in the top division, the number 10 no longer seems to be the decisive factor he once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be ready in June. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, late autumn or March," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti created local discussion 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 left out for tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my fitness level."
In terms of public perception, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to win the World Cup is left out for performance issues, obviously issues exist," Cafu said.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Polls from Datafolha found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be included 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 in-game attitude either.
He seems greater frustration than usual, having exchanged words with fans on several occasions in stadiums - it occurred in three consecutive matches in July.
The following month, the forward was emotional after Santos suffered a six-goal loss at home by their rivals - the worst result of his professional life.
When asked by a journalist about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he became frustrated: "Again with this, mate? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The similar query has been posed to his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to spend a limited period at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing displeasure among fans.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's prime period aren't over and that he will be able to revive his career the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to surmount criticism and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The Brazilian great notes parallels.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo stated during a recent appearance with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's neglecting his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football understand completely how hard it is to return from an injury and regain form and self-belief. He's progressing well."
The Brazilian forward has a important timeframe ahead to show that he's not the prince who abandoned the throne.
