The Brazilian Unquestioned Star? Neymar's World Cup Countdown Challenge
While Ousmane Dembele received the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, Neymar was undergoing therapy for his third injury of the year - while participating in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace eventually placed as second place, collecting around seventy-three thousand pounds in prize money.
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 long hoped to win.
Since coming back to his boyhood club Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for comparable situations than for his on-field performances.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, revive a passion for the game that seemed lost after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal.
Conversely, 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 upcoming global tournament.
He's running out of time.
"Even the stars have to demonstrate that they are ready. The time is passing [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao stated in his newspaper column.
On Wednesday, Brazil manager the Italian tactician disclosed his squad for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was absent.
"O Principe", as he was dubbed 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 continues to be an fitness concern for the November games, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two friendly matches in spring 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the announcement of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, shouldering massive pressure on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu said.
"But no one wins the World Cup alone. Placing all our hopes on him at the present time is challenging because he struggles to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not only has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his homecoming - he's missed nearly half of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was able to play, he was a distant from the player who during his peak rivaled Lionel Messi 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 scoring contribution against Agua Santa, followed by a goal and two assists versus another lower-division opponent, all in the regional competition.
As Santos fight relegation in the Brazilian first tier, the playmaker no longer seems to be the decisive factor he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be ready in June. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in October, November or March," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti stirred local debate last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, suggesting the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was excluded for tactical decisions; it has no connection to my fitness level."
In terms of public perception, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have invested our faith in to win the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, clearly something isn't right," Cafu commented.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Research from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be included for his fourth World Cup.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, 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 occurred in three consecutive matches in mid-year.
The following month, the forward was emotional after Santos suffered a six-goal home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his professional life.
When asked by a reporter about his fitness condition in a post-match interview, he became frustrated: "This topic again, friend? I've answered this 500 times already."
The same kind of question has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to spend five months at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, amen," he previously explained, causing displeasure among supporters.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's best days remain possible and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way forward Ronaldo "FenĂ´meno" did in 2002 to surmount criticism and injuries to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The Brazilian great observes similarities.
"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 overstatement from a minority who believe he's disregarding his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football recognize fully how difficult it is to return from an setback and recover form and self-belief. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to demonstrate that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.
