The Brazilian Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar's World Cup Countdown Challenge
While the French winger received the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously participating in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran Brazilian ace eventually placed as second place, collecting around £73,800 in prize money.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had long hoped to win.
Since returning to his youth team Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for similar incidents than for his football.
His homecoming after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to regain his form and, most importantly, restore a love of football that seemed diminished after frustrating spells with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been largely underwhelming for everyone concerned.
This reflects the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will be part of the upcoming global tournament.
He's facing a deadline.
"All players have to prove that they are prepared. The deadline approaches [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao commented in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti disclosed his team selection for the upcoming games against South Korea and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was absent.
"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the legend Pelé, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao 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 demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the announcement of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's unquestioned talisman, carrying huge responsibility on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu stated.
"But no one wins the World Cup alone. 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 various physical concerns 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 far cry from the player who during his zenith competed with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five 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 Sao Paulo State Championship.
As Santos fight relegation in the top division, the playmaker no longer seems to be the difference maker he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be ready in June. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in autumn, November or spring," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti stirred local controversy last month by reportedly trying to shield Neymar, claiming the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was excluded for technical reasons; it has no connection to my fitness level."
In terms of popular view, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.
"If the player we have invested our faith in to win the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, evidently something isn't right," Cafu commented.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Polls from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be selected for his next global tournament.
With his record tally, 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 greater frustration than normal, having exchanged words with fans on several occasions in venues - it occurred in three consecutive matches in mid-year.
The next month, the forward was left in tears after Santos endured a six-goal loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the heaviest defeat of his career.
When questioned by a journalist about his physical state in a game aftermath discussion, he also lost his patience: "Again with this, friend? I've responded to this 500 times already."
The identical inquiry has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for a limited period at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he previously explained, causing anger among followers.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's peak years haven't ended and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to surmount skepticism and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The Brazilian great observes comparisons.
"He's a vital 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 misrepresentation from a small group who believe he's ignoring his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football understand completely how challenging it is to recover from an injury and regain rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a critical period ahead to prove that he's not the heir who stepped away from greatness.
