The Brazilian Undisputed Star? Neymar's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
While the French winger was crowned the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his latest physical setback of the year - while engaging in an online poker tournament.
The veteran football star eventually placed as second place, earning around £73,800 in tournament winnings.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona claim the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After coming back to his boyhood club Santos in the new year, the experienced attacker has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for similar incidents than for his on-field performances.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was intended as a chance for him to regain his form and, most importantly, revive a love of football that seemed lost after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal.
Instead, it has been generally unsatisfactory for all parties involved.
Such is the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will participate in the upcoming global tournament.
He's facing a deadline.
"Even the stars have to demonstrate that they are ready. The time is passing [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao stated in his newspaper column.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed his squad for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was not in it.
"O Principe", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a reference to the legend Pelé, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for two years.
He continues to be an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, 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.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, shouldering enormous expectations on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu stated.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the present time is problematic 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 return to Brazil - he's been absent for 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 zenith dared to challenge Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's top flight - a goal and assist against a lower-league side, 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 number 10 no longer seems to be the game-changer he once was.
Despite that, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His aim 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 French media.
Ancelotti caused local discussion last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, suggesting the star had been omitted 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 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 there's a problem," Cafu commented.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Studies from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are split 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 helped his case much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems more on edge than normal, having exchanged words with fans multiple times in stadiums - it occurred in successive games in mid-year.
The following month, the forward was emotional after Santos endured a 6-0 home defeat by their rivals - the biggest loss of his career.
When asked by a reporter about his physical state in a post-match interview, he also lost his patience: "This topic again, mate? I've responded to this repeatedly already."
The same kind of question has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for five months at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, amen," he earlier stated, causing anger among fans.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's best days haven't ended and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome doubt and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great sees comparisons.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent appearance with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an overstatement from a minority who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football understand completely how hard it is to recover from an injury and restore rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a important timeframe ahead to prove that he's not the heir who relinquished his status.
