Brazil's Undisputed Star? Neymar's World Cup Race Against Time

As the French winger received the prestigious football award in late September, Neymar was receiving treatment for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously taking part in an virtual card tournament.

The veteran Brazilian ace ultimately finished as second place, collecting around £73,800 in tournament winnings.

It was some consolation on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had long hoped to win.

Since returning to his youth team Santos in the new year, the experienced attacker has fallen short of 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, restore a love of football that seemed gone after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal.

Conversely, it has been largely underwhelming for everyone concerned.

Such is the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will make it to the upcoming global tournament.

He's facing a deadline.

On Wednesday, Brazil manager the Italian tactician disclosed his team selection for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and the Asian nation and, yet again, Neymar was not in it.

"The Prince", as he was nicknamed when welcomed back at Santos in a reference to the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for two years.

He continues to be an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with just a pair of exhibition games in spring 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the revealing of the final list for the World Cup.

"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our hopes on him at the moment is difficult because he finds it hard to even play multiple matches in a row."

Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns since his return to Brazil - he's missed 47% of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was available for selection, he was a far cry from the player who during his zenith dared to challenge 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 three goal involvements versus another lower-division opponent, all in the regional competition.

As Santos battle against demotion in the top division, the playmaker no longer seems to be the difference maker he previously represented.

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

Ancelotti created local controversy last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, claiming the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.

But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was excluded for tactical decisions; it has no connection to my physical condition."

In terms of fan opinion, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.

Research from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are divided 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 helped his case much with his conduct during matches either.

He seems increased agitation than usual, having argued with fans multiple times in stadiums - it happened in successive games in July.

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

When questioned by a journalist about his physical state in a game aftermath discussion, he also lost his patience: "Again with this, friend? I've responded to this repeatedly already."

The same kind of question has been directed at his father and agent 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, so be it," he earlier stated, causing anger among followers.

There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's prime period remain possible and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to surmount skepticism and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.

The Brazilian great sees similarities.

"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's disregarding his physical recovery.

Those who have been in football recognize fully how hard it is to recover from an setback and recover rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well."

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