Brazil's Undisputed Star? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
While Ousmane Dembele claimed the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his third injury of the year - while engaging in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace eventually placed 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 lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
Since returning to his boyhood club Santos in the new year, the experienced attacker has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for similar incidents than for his football.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was intended as a chance for him to return to peak condition and, most importantly, revive a passion for the game that seemed gone after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been widely disappointing for everyone concerned.
Such is the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will make it to the upcoming global tournament.
He's against the clock.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are fit. The time is passing [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao commented in his regular feature.
On midweek, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician revealed his team selection for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was not in it.
"The Prince", 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 national team for 24 months.
He continues to be an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with only two friendly matches 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 clear standout, shouldering enormous expectations on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu remarked.
"But no one wins the World Cup alone. Placing all our hopes on him at the moment is challenging because he finds it hard to even play three games in a row."
'If Neymar is left out for technical reasons, something isn't right'
Not just has Neymar had repeated injury problems since his homecoming - he's been absent for 47% of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a far cry from the player who during his prime rivaled the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, half have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's top flight - 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 number 10 no longer seems to be the difference maker he previously represented.
Despite that, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has sufficient months to show he is ready for the World Cup.
"His goal must be to be prepared in June. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, late autumn or March," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti stirred local discussion last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, stating the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was excluded for technical reasons; it has nothing to do with my fitness level."
In terms of public perception, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to deliver the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, obviously something isn't right," Cafu observed.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Studies 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 all-time top scorer, but he hasn't helped his case much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems greater frustration than usual, having argued with fans repeatedly in stadiums - it occurred in successive games in July.
The following month, the forward was emotional after Santos suffered a 6-0 home defeat by their rivals - the biggest loss of his professional life.
When asked by a reporter about his physical state in a post-match interview, he showed irritation: "This topic again, friend? I've answered this 500 times already."
The identical inquiry 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 managed to play, amen," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among supporters.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's prime period haven't ended and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way forward Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to surmount doubt and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the World Cup title.
The Brazilian great sees similarities.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent event with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an overstatement from a small group who believe he's disregarding his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football understand completely how difficult it is to return from an setback and restore rhythm and confidence. He's moving forward."
The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to prove that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.
