🔗 Share this article The Brazilian Undisputed Superstar? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge While the French winger was crowned the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was receiving treatment for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously taking part in an online poker tournament. The 33-year-old Brazilian ace ultimately finished as second place, collecting around £73,800 in prize money. It was limited solace on a day when he had to observe the player who once replaced him at Barcelona lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win. After coming back to his boyhood club Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for comparable situations than for his football. His homecoming after 12 seasons away was meant to be a chance for him to regain his form and, crucially, revive a love of football that seemed lost after frustrating spells with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club. Conversely, it has been largely underwhelming for everyone concerned. This reflects 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 against the clock. "All players have to demonstrate that they are prepared. The deadline approaches [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao commented in his newspaper column. On midweek, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician announced his team selection for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and the Asian nation and, yet again, Neymar was not in it. "The Prince", as he was dubbed when received at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for two years. He continues to be an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two friendly matches in spring 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," Brazilian icon Cafu stated. "But no one wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our hopes on him at the present time 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 just has Neymar had various physical concerns since his homecoming - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was available for selection, he was a distant from the player who during his zenith dared to challenge the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon. Of his nine goal contributions 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 regional competition. As Santos fight relegation in the Brazilian first tier, the number 10 no longer seems to be the difference maker he once was. Despite that, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has sufficient months to show he is fit for the World Cup. "His goal must be to be ready in June. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, November or spring," the coach told L'Equipe newspaper. Ancelotti created local discussion last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, claiming the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues. But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was left out for technical reasons; it has no connection to my physical condition." In terms of popular view, it definitely didn't help for Neymar. "If the player we have invested our faith in to win the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, clearly issues exist," Cafu commented. Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar? Polls from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be called up 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 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 July. The next month, the forward was emotional after Santos suffered a six-goal loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his career. When questioned by a reporter about his physical state in a post-match interview, he showed irritation: "This topic again, friend? I've responded to this repeatedly already." The same kind of question has been posed to his parent representative 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 displeasure among fans. There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's peak years 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 injuries to guide Brazil to the championship trophy. The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend notes comparisons. "He's a essential player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent appearance with the forward in the Brazilian city. "It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's neglecting his fitness rehabilitation. Those who have been in football understand completely how hard it is to return from an setback and regain rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well." The Brazilian forward has a critical period ahead to prove that he's not the heir who relinquished his status.