The Brazilian Unquestioned Star? Neymar's World Cup Race Against Time
While the French winger claimed the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was receiving treatment for his third injury of the year - simultaneously engaging in an online poker tournament.
The veteran football star eventually placed as runner-up, collecting around £73,800 in tournament winnings.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to witness the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
Since returning to his boyhood club Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for comparable situations than for his on-field performances.
His homecoming after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to return to peak condition and, most importantly, revive a love of football that seemed lost after disappointing periods with PSG and Al Hilal.
Conversely, it has been largely underwhelming for all parties involved.
This reflects the situation that the main question being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will be part of the 2026 World Cup.
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 Wednesday, Brazil manager the Italian tactician announced his squad for the upcoming games 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 reference to the legend Pelé, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for 24 months.
He continues to be an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with just a pair of friendly matches 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 unquestioned talisman, bearing massive pressure on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu remarked.
"But nobody wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our hopes on him at the present time is challenging because he has difficulty to even play three games in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not only has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his homecoming - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was available for selection, he was a far cry from the player who during his zenith competed with Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's top flight - a goal and assist against a lower-league side, followed by a goal and two assists versus Inter de Limeira, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.
As Santos battle against demotion in the Brazilian first tier, the number 10 no longer seems to be the game-changer he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be prepared in June. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in autumn, late autumn or March," the coach told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti caused local discussion last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, stating the star had been omitted from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was left out for tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my fitness level."
In terms of public perception, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to win the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, evidently there's a problem," Cafu said.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Studies from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be selected for his fourth World Cup.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems greater frustration than normal, having exchanged words with fans multiple times in stadiums - it happened in three consecutive matches in mid-year.
The following month, the striker was emotional after Santos suffered a 6-0 home defeat by their rivals - the worst result of his professional life.
When questioned by a reporter about his physical state in a post-match interview, he also lost his patience: "This topic again, mate? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The same kind of question has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's intention was to remain for a limited period at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, so be it," he previously explained, causing outrage among supporters.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's prime period remain possible and that he will be able to revive his career the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to surmount criticism and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great notes similarities.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo stated during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an overstatement from a small group who believe he's disregarding his physical recovery.
Anyone who have been in football knows perfectly how difficult it is to return from an setback and regain rhythm and confidence. He's moving forward."
The Brazilian forward has a critical period ahead to show that he's not the prince who stepped away from greatness.
