Brazil's Undisputed Star? Neymar's Global Tournament Race Against Time
As Ousmane Dembele claimed the prestigious football award in late September, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his third injury of the year - simultaneously participating in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran football star ultimately finished as runner-up, earning around £73,800 in prize money.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to watch the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After coming back to his boyhood club Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for comparable situations than for his football.
His homecoming after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to rediscover his best and, crucially, rekindle a love of football that seemed diminished after disappointing periods with PSG and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been generally unsatisfactory for everyone concerned.
Such is the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will be part of the 2026 World Cup.
He's running out of time.
"All players have to demonstrate that they are ready. The clock is ticking [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao stated in his newspaper column.
On Wednesday, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti disclosed his squad for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was excluded.
"The Prince", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team for two years.
He also remains an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two exhibition games in spring 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the announcement of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's unquestioned talisman, carrying massive pressure on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu remarked.
"But nobody wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our expectations on him at the moment is difficult because he struggles to even play multiple matches in a row."
'If Neymar is left out for technical reasons, something isn't right'
Not only has Neymar had repeated injury problems since his homecoming - he's missed 47% of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a different to the player who during his prime competed with Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns 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 goal and two assists versus another lower-division opponent, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.
As Santos fight relegation in the top division, the number 10 no longer seems to be the decisive factor he previously represented.
Despite that, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be prepared in summer. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, late autumn or March," the coach told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti caused local controversy last month by allegedly attempting to protect 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 no connection to my physical condition."
In terms of public perception, it definitely didn't help for Neymar.
"If the player we have invested our faith in to deliver the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, clearly something isn't right," Cafu observed.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Research from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be included 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 more on edge than usual, having exchanged words with fans multiple times in venues - it occurred in successive games in mid-year.
The following month, the forward was left in tears after Santos endured a six-goal home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his professional life.
When asked by a reporter about his physical state in a post-match interview, he also lost his patience: "Again with this, friend? I've responded to this repeatedly 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. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, so be it," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among followers.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's best days haven't ended and that he will be able to revive his career the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to surmount doubt and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend observes parallels.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent appearance with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an overstatement from a small group who believe he's neglecting his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football knows perfectly how difficult it is to return from an setback and restore rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well."
The Santos star has a important timeframe ahead to demonstrate that he's not the heir who relinquished his status.
