Brazil's Undisputed Star? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Race Against Time
As the French winger claimed the prestigious football award in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was receiving treatment for his latest physical setback of the year - while taking part in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace ultimately finished as second place, securing around seventy-three thousand pounds in tournament winnings.
It was limited solace on a day when he had to witness the player who once replaced him at Barcelona claim the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After coming back to his youth team Santos in the new year, the experienced attacker has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for similar incidents than for his football.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to return to peak condition and, crucially, rekindle a passion for the game that seemed diminished after frustrating spells with PSG and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been widely disappointing for each stakeholder.
This reflects the situation that the main question being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will participate in the 2026 World Cup.
He's against the clock.
"All players have to prove that they are prepared. The time is passing [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao wrote in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician disclosed his team selection for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was absent.
"The Prince", as he was nicknamed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been missing from the national team for two years.
He continues to be an injury doubt for the November games, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two exhibition games in spring 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the announcement of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, shouldering massive pressure on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu remarked.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our hopes on him at the moment is challenging because he has difficulty to even play three games 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 season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a far cry from the player who during his zenith dared to challenge the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's first division - a goal and assist against a lower-league side, followed by a goal and two assists 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 asserted that the forward has sufficient months to show he is ready 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, late autumn or spring," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti created local debate last month by reportedly trying to shield Neymar, stating 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 nothing to do with my fitness level."
In terms of popular view, it definitely didn't help for Neymar.
"If the player we have invested our faith in to win the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, clearly issues exist," Cafu commented.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Research from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be called up 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 usual, having confronted fans repeatedly in venues - it occurred in three consecutive matches in July.
The next month, the striker was reduced to crying after Santos endured a 6-0 loss at home by their rivals - the worst result of his professional life.
When questioned by a journalist about his fitness condition in a post-match interview, he showed irritation: "Again with this, friend? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The identical inquiry has been posed to his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to spend a limited period at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing outrage among supporters.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's prime period remain possible and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome criticism and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great notes parallels.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent event with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an overstatement from a minority who believe he's ignoring his physical recovery.
Anyone who have been in football recognize fully how difficult it is to come back from an setback and regain rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well."
The Brazilian forward has a important timeframe ahead to prove that he's not the heir who abandoned the throne.
