Brazil's Undisputed Superstar? Neymar's Global Tournament Race Against Time
As Ousmane Dembele claimed the prestigious football award in late September, Neymar was undergoing therapy for his latest physical setback of the year - while participating in an online poker tournament.
The veteran Brazilian ace eventually placed as second place, collecting around seventy-three thousand pounds in tournament winnings.
It was limited solace on a day when he had to watch the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona receive the award he had long hoped to win.
Since coming back to his youth team Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, attracting more attention for similar incidents than for his football.
His homecoming after 12 seasons away was meant to be a chance for him to regain his form and, crucially, revive a passion for the game that seemed gone after frustrating spells with PSG and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been largely underwhelming for everyone concerned.
This reflects the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will make it to the 2026 World Cup.
He's running out of time.
"Even the stars have to demonstrate that they are ready. The deadline approaches [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao commented in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti disclosed his squad for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and Japan and, once again, Neymar was excluded.
"The Prince", as he was nicknamed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team for two years.
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 March 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 clear standout, carrying enormous expectations on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu remarked.
"But nobody wins the World Cup alone. Placing all our expectations on him at the moment is difficult 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 return to Brazil - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was available for selection, he was a distant from the player who during his zenith competed with Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, half have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's top flight - a scoring contribution against a lower-league side, followed by a goal and two assists versus another lower-division opponent, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.
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 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, late autumn or March," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti created local debate last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, claiming 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 nothing to do with my physical condition."
In terms of fan opinion, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to deliver the World Cup is left out for performance issues, obviously issues exist," Cafu observed.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Polls from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be called up 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 conduct during matches either.
He seems increased agitation than usual, having exchanged words with fans on several occasions in venues - it occurred 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: "Again with this, mate? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The same kind of question has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for a limited period at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing anger among supporters.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's peak years aren't over and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome skepticism and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend sees parallels.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent event with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an overstatement from a small group who believe he's neglecting his fitness rehabilitation.
Those who have been in football understand completely how difficult it is to return from an injury and recover rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a critical period ahead to prove that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.
