The Brazilian Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar Jr's World Cup Race Against Time
While the French winger received the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his third injury of the year - simultaneously taking part in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old football star ultimately finished as second place, collecting around £73,800 in tournament winnings.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After coming back to his boyhood club Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for episodes like this than for his on-field performances.
His return home after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to regain his form and, most importantly, restore a love of football that seemed lost after frustrating spells with PSG and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been generally unsatisfactory for all parties involved.
Such is the situation that the main question being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will make it to the upcoming global tournament.
He's facing a deadline.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are fit. The clock is ticking [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao stated in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti disclosed his squad for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was absent.
"The Prince", as he was nicknamed when welcomed back at Santos in a reference to the legend Pelé, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for two years.
He also remains an fitness concern for the November games, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with just a pair of exhibition games in March 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the revealing of the final list for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, carrying massive pressure on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu stated.
"But nobody wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our expectations on him at the present time is difficult because he has difficulty 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 multiple fitness issues since his homecoming - he's missed 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 Cristiano Ronaldo.
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 game-changer he once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has sufficient months to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His goal must be to be ready in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in autumn, late autumn or March," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti created local controversy last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, suggesting the star had been omitted from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was excluded for technical reasons; it has nothing to do with my fitness level."
In terms of public perception, it definitely didn't help for Neymar.
"If the player we have invested our faith in to win the World Cup is excluded for performance issues, clearly issues exist," Cafu said.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Polls from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be selected for his next global tournament.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't helped his case much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems increased agitation than usual, having argued with fans on several occasions in venues - it occurred in successive games in mid-year.
The next month, the forward was left in tears after Santos endured a six-goal home defeat by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his career.
When asked by a journalist about his physical state in a game aftermath discussion, he became frustrated: "This topic again, mate? I've responded to this countless times already."
The identical inquiry has been posed to his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for a limited period at Santos. To what end? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing displeasure among fans.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's best days remain possible and that he will be able to revive his career the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to overcome doubt and injuries to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend notes similarities.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent event with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an misrepresentation from a minority who believe he's ignoring his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football recognize fully how difficult it is to recover from an injury and recover form and self-belief. He's moving forward."
The Santos star has a few decisive months ahead to demonstrate that he's not the heir who relinquished his status.
