The Brazilian Undisputed Superstar? Neymar's World Cup Countdown Challenge

While Ousmane Dembele claimed the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his latest physical setback of the year - while taking part in an online poker tournament.

The 33-year-old Brazilian ace ultimately finished as runner-up, collecting around £73,800 in tournament winnings.

It was limited solace on a day when he had to witness the player who once replaced him at Barcelona claim the award he had consistently dreamed to win.

After returning to his youth team Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for similar incidents than for his football.

His return home after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, restore a love of football that seemed gone after disappointing periods with PSG and Al Hilal.

Conversely, it has been largely underwhelming for all parties involved.

This reflects the situation that the main question being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will be part of the 2026 World Cup.

He's facing a deadline.

On midweek, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed his team selection for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was not in it.

"O Principe", as he was dubbed when received at Santos in a reference to the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team 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 exhibition games in spring 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the announcement of the final list for the World Cup.

"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the moment is problematic because he has difficulty to even play three games in a row."

Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns since his return to Brazil - 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 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 Agua Santa, followed by a three goal involvements versus Inter de Limeira, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.

As Santos battle against demotion in the Brazilian first tier, the number 10 no longer seems to be the game-changer he previously represented.

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

Ancelotti stirred local debate last month by reportedly trying to shield Neymar, stating the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.

But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was excluded for tactical decisions; it has no connection to my fitness level."

In terms of fan opinion, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.

Polls from Datafolha found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be selected for his fourth World Cup.

With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his behaviour on the pitch either.

He seems greater frustration than usual, having argued with fans multiple times in venues - it occurred in successive games in mid-year.

The following month, the striker was emotional after Santos suffered a six-goal home defeat by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his professional life.

When asked by a reporter about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he showed irritation: "Again with this, mate? I've answered this 500 times already."

The same kind of question has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.

"Neymar's strategy was to remain for five months at Santos. To what end? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among supporters.

There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's prime period haven't ended and that he will be able to revive his career the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to overcome doubt and injuries to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.

The Brazilian great notes similarities.

"It's an overstatement from a minority who believe he's disregarding his fitness rehabilitation.

Those who have been in football understand completely how challenging it is to come back from an setback and recover form and self-belief. He's right on track."

The Brazilian forward has a critical period ahead to prove that he's not the prince who stepped away from greatness.