Brazil's Undisputed Superstar? Neymar Jr's World Cup Countdown Challenge

As Ousmane Dembele received the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously engaging in an virtual card tournament.

The veteran Brazilian ace eventually placed as runner-up, collecting around £73,800 in prize money.

It was limited solace on a day when he had to watch the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona claim the award he had long hoped to win.

Since coming back to his boyhood club Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, attracting more attention for episodes like this than for his football.

His homecoming 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 frustrating spells with PSG and the Saudi club.

Instead, it has been widely disappointing for all parties involved.

Such is the situation that the main question being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will make it to the 2026 World Cup.

He's facing a deadline.

On Wednesday, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti disclosed his squad for the upcoming games 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 nod toward the legend Pelé, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for 24 months.

He also remains an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two exhibition games in March 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the revealing of the final list for the World Cup.

"But no one wins the World Cup alone. Placing all our hopes on him at the present time is problematic because he has difficulty to even play three games in a row."

Not just has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his return to Brazil - he's missed 47% of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was able to play, he was a far cry from the player who during his zenith dared to challenge the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon.

Of his several attacking returns so far, half have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's top flight - a scoring contribution against Agua Santa, followed by a three goal involvements versus another lower-division opponent, all in the regional competition.

As Santos fight relegation in the top division, the playmaker no longer seems to be the game-changer he once was.

Despite that, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has plenty of time to show he is ready for the World Cup.

Ancelotti created local discussion last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, claiming the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues.

But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was left out for tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my fitness level."

In terms of popular view, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.

Research from a leading polling institute found that the Brazilian public are split over whether Neymar should be included for his fourth World Cup.

With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't helped his case much with his conduct during matches either.

He seems increased agitation than normal, having argued with fans multiple times in venues - it happened in three consecutive matches in July.

The next month, the striker was left in tears after Santos endured a 6-0 home defeat by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his career.

When questioned by a journalist about his fitness condition in a post-match interview, he became frustrated: "This topic again, mate? I've responded to this countless times already."

The same kind of question has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.

"Neymar's intention was to spend a limited period at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing anger among followers.

There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's prime period remain possible and that he will be able to revive his career the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to surmount doubt and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.

The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend observes parallels.

"It's an misrepresentation from a small group who believe he's disregarding his fitness rehabilitation.

Anyone who have been in football understand completely how difficult it is to come back from an setback and restore form and self-belief. He's progressing well."

The Santos star has a critical period ahead to demonstrate that he's not the prince who abandoned the throne.