Brazil's Undisputed Superstar? Neymar's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
As Ousmane Dembele received the prestigious football award in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was receiving treatment for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously taking part in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran football star eventually placed as runner-up, collecting around seventy-three thousand pounds in tournament winnings.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to observe the player who once replaced him at Barcelona receive the award he had long hoped to win.
Since coming back to his youth team 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 football.
His homecoming after 12 seasons away was meant to be a chance for him to return to peak condition and, most importantly, rekindle a love of football that seemed lost after disappointing periods with PSG and Al Hilal.
Instead, it has been largely underwhelming for all parties involved.
This reflects the situation that the main question being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will make it to the upcoming global tournament.
He's facing a deadline.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are fit. The deadline approaches [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao wrote in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed his squad for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was absent.
"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 national team for 24 months.
He also remains an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with only two exhibition games in March 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the announcement of the final list for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, shouldering massive pressure on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu remarked.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our hopes on him at the present time is difficult because he finds it hard to even play three games in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not only has Neymar had repeated injury problems since his homecoming - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was able to play, he was a distant from the player who during his prime dared to challenge Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five 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 another lower-division opponent, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.
As Santos fight relegation in the Brazilian first tier, the number 10 no longer seems to be the difference maker he once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has sufficient months to show he is ready for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be prepared in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in autumn, November or spring," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti created local discussion last month by reportedly trying to protect Neymar, claiming the star had been omitted from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was left out for tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my physical condition."
In terms of public perception, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to win the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, obviously something isn't right," 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 included for his fourth World Cup.
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 greater frustration than usual, having exchanged words with fans on several occasions in stadiums - it occurred in successive games in July.
The next month, the forward was left in tears after Santos endured a six-goal home defeat by their rivals - the worst result of his professional life.
When asked by a reporter about his physical state in a game aftermath discussion, he also lost his patience: "This topic again, friend? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The identical inquiry has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's intention was to spend a limited period at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he earlier stated, causing outrage among supporters.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's peak years remain possible and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to surmount criticism and injuries to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend sees similarities.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an overstatement from a small group who believe he's disregarding his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football recognize fully how hard it is to return from an injury and recover form and self-belief. He's right on track."
The Santos star has a important timeframe ahead to prove that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.
