The Brazilian Undisputed Superstar? Neymar's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
While Ousmane Dembele received the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, Neymar was receiving treatment for his third injury of the year - while participating in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace eventually placed as runner-up, collecting around £73,800 in tournament winnings.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to watch 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 the new year, the experienced attacker has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for comparable situations 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, restore a passion for the game that seemed gone after frustrating spells with PSG and Al Hilal.
Conversely, it has been generally unsatisfactory for all parties involved.
Such is the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will be part of the upcoming global tournament.
He's running out of time.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are fit. The deadline approaches [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao stated in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil manager the Italian tactician revealed his squad for the upcoming games against South Korea and the Asian nation and, yet again, Neymar was absent.
"O Principe", 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 Selecao for two years.
He continues to be an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with just a pair of friendly matches 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 unquestioned talisman, bearing enormous expectations on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu remarked.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our hopes on him at the moment is challenging because he finds it hard to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not only has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his homecoming - he's missed 47% of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a different to the player who during his peak rivaled Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his nine goal contributions 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 Inter de Limeira, all in the regional competition.
As Santos battle against demotion in the top division, the playmaker no longer seems to be the decisive factor he once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is ready for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be prepared in June. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in October, late autumn or spring," the coach told French media.
Ancelotti stirred local debate last month by reportedly trying to shield Neymar, claiming the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was excluded for technical reasons; it has no connection to 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 left out for technical reasons, clearly there's a problem," Cafu observed.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Research from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be selected for his next global tournament.
With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems increased agitation than normal, having argued with fans multiple times in venues - it occurred in three consecutive matches in mid-year.
The following month, the striker was reduced to crying after Santos suffered a six-goal loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his career.
When questioned by a reporter about his fitness condition in a post-match interview, he became frustrated: "Again with this, mate? I've responded to this repeatedly already."
The identical inquiry has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's intention was to remain for a limited period at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he earlier stated, causing anger among supporters.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's peak years remain possible and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome doubt and injuries to lead Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend notes comparisons.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent appearance with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's neglecting his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football knows perfectly how difficult it is to come back from an setback and restore form and self-belief. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to show that he's not the heir who relinquished his status.
