The Brazilian Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar's World Cup Race Against Time
While Ousmane Dembele received the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, Neymar was receiving treatment for his latest physical setback of the year - while participating in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old football star ultimately finished as runner-up, earning around £73,800 in prize money.
It was limited solace on a day when he had to observe the player who once replaced him at Barcelona claim the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
Since coming back to his boyhood club Santos in January, the experienced attacker has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for similar incidents than for his on-field performances.
His homecoming after 12 seasons away was meant to be a chance for him to regain his form and, crucially, restore a passion for the game that seemed diminished after disappointing periods with PSG and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been widely disappointing for everyone concerned.
Such is the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will make it to the upcoming global tournament.
He's against the clock.
"Even the stars have to demonstrate that they are ready. The deadline approaches [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao wrote in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed his team selection for the upcoming games against South Korea and Japan and, once again, Neymar was not in it.
"The Prince", as he was nicknamed when welcomed back at Santos in a reference to the king Pele, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been missing from the national team for two years.
He continues to be an injury doubt 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 announcement of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, carrying huge responsibility 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 moment is problematic because he struggles to even play three games in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not only has Neymar had repeated injury problems since his homecoming - he's missed nearly half of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was available for selection, he was a distant from the player who during his prime dared to challenge the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, five have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's first division - a scoring contribution against Agua Santa, 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 top division, the number 10 no longer seems to be the decisive factor he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has sufficient months to show he is ready for the World Cup.
"His goal must be to be ready in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in October, November or spring," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti caused local controversy last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, stating the star had been excluded from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was excluded for technical reasons; it has no connection to my physical condition."
In terms of public perception, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to win the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, obviously issues exist," Cafu observed.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Research from Datafolha found that the Brazilian public are split over whether Neymar should be included for his fourth World Cup.
With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems more on edge than normal, having argued with fans multiple times in stadiums - it happened in successive games in July.
The following month, the forward was left in tears after Santos endured a 6-0 loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the worst result of his professional life.
When questioned by a journalist about his physical state in a post-match interview, he became frustrated: "This topic again, friend? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The identical inquiry has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's intention was to spend a limited period at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing displeasure among supporters.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's best days haven't ended and that he will be able to revive his career the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome criticism and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend sees parallels.
"He's a essential 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 misrepresentation from a minority who believe he's ignoring his physical recovery.
Anyone who have been in football recognize fully how challenging it is to come back from an setback and restore rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to prove that he's not the heir who stepped away from greatness.
