The Brazilian Undisputed Star? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
As the French winger claimed the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously taking part in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace eventually placed as runner-up, securing around £73,800 in tournament winnings.
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 long hoped to win.
After coming back to his boyhood club Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for episodes like this than for his on-field performances.
His return home after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to return to peak condition and, crucially, rekindle a passion for the game that seemed gone after frustrating spells with PSG and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been generally unsatisfactory for everyone concerned.
This reflects the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will be part of the upcoming global tournament.
He's running out of time.
"All players have to prove that they are fit. The clock is ticking [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao stated in his regular feature.
On midweek, Brazil manager the Italian tactician disclosed his squad for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was excluded.
"O Principe", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the legend Pelé, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been missing from the national team for 24 months.
He continues to be an fitness concern for the November games, 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 undisputed star, bearing massive pressure on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu stated.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the present time is problematic because he struggles to even play three games in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not just has Neymar had various physical concerns since his homecoming - he's missed nearly half of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a far cry from the player who during his peak dared to challenge Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, half have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's first division - a goal and assist against a lower-league side, followed by a goal and two assists versus another lower-division opponent, all in the regional competition.
As Santos battle against demotion in the top division, the playmaker no longer seems to be the difference maker he once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has sufficient months to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be prepared in summer. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in autumn, late autumn or spring," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti created 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 contradicted this, saying he "was left out for tactical decisions; it has no connection to my physical condition."
In terms of popular view, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have invested our faith in to deliver the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, clearly issues exist," Cafu said.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Studies from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be included for his fourth World Cup.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't helped his case much with his conduct during matches either.
He seems greater frustration than usual, having exchanged words with fans multiple times in venues - it happened in successive games in mid-year.
The next month, the striker was left in tears after Santos suffered a six-goal home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the heaviest defeat of his career.
When questioned by a journalist about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he showed irritation: "This topic again, friend? 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 five months at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, so be it," he previously explained, causing displeasure among followers.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's prime period aren't over and that he will be able to revive his career the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome skepticism and injuries to lead Brazil to the World Cup title.
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 minority who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.
Anyone who have been in football knows perfectly how challenging it is to come back from an injury and regain form and self-belief. He's moving forward."
The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to prove that he's not the prince who stepped away from greatness.
