Brazil's Undisputed Star? Neymar Jr's World Cup Race Against Time
While the French winger was crowned the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously taking part in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace eventually placed as second place, earning around £73,800 in prize money.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to witness the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona claim the award he had long hoped to win.
After returning to his youth team Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for episodes like this than for his on-field performances.
His return home after 12 seasons away was meant to be a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, restore a passion for the game that seemed diminished after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal.
Conversely, it has been widely disappointing for each stakeholder.
Such is the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will participate in the upcoming global tournament.
He's against the clock.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are ready. The clock is ticking [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao wrote in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil manager the Italian tactician disclosed his squad for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was excluded.
"O Principe", 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 missing from the Selecao for 24 months.
He continues to be an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two exhibition games in March 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the announcement of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, carrying huge responsibility on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu said.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Placing all our expectations on him at the moment is challenging because he finds it hard to even play three games in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns 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 peak rivaled the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's first division - a goal and assist against Agua Santa, followed by a goal and two assists 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 decisive factor he previously represented.
Despite that, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His goal must be to be prepared in June. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in October, November or spring," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti caused local controversy last month by reportedly trying to protect Neymar, stating the star had been omitted from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was excluded for tactical decisions; it has no connection to my physical condition."
In terms of public perception, 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 performance issues, evidently something isn't right," Cafu observed.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Polls from a leading polling institute found that the Brazilian public are split over whether Neymar should be called up for his fourth World Cup.
With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his conduct during matches either.
He seems more on edge than normal, having exchanged words with fans on several occasions in venues - it occurred in three consecutive matches in July.
The next month, the striker was reduced to crying after Santos endured a six-goal loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the heaviest defeat of his professional life.
When asked by a reporter about his fitness condition in a post-match interview, he also lost his patience: "Again with this, friend? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The identical inquiry has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's intention was to spend a limited period at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, so be it," he previously explained, causing outrage among fans.
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 surmount skepticism and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend observes similarities.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent appearance with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an exaggeration from a small group who believe he's ignoring his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football understand completely how difficult it is to come back from an setback and regain rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to prove that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.