🔗 Share this article The Brazilian Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Race Against Time As the French winger claimed the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was receiving treatment 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 second place, collecting around seventy-three thousand pounds in tournament winnings. It was some consolation 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 youth team Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, drawing 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, crucially, restore a love of football that seemed lost after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club. Instead, it has been largely underwhelming for all parties involved. Such is the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will be part of the upcoming global tournament. He's against the clock. "Even the stars have to demonstrate that they are ready. The deadline approaches [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao stated in his regular feature. On midweek, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his team selection for the upcoming games against South Korea and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was excluded. "O Principe", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a reference to the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for 24 months. He continues to be an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two exhibition games in March 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, carrying huge responsibility on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu remarked. "But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Placing all our hopes on him at the present time is difficult because he struggles to even play three games in a row." 'If Neymar is left out for technical reasons, something isn't right' 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 available for selection, he was a distant from the player who during his zenith dared to challenge the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo. Of his nine goal contributions 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 Inter de Limeira, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship. As Santos battle against demotion in the top division, the number 10 no longer seems to be the difference maker he previously represented. Despite that, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is prepared for the World Cup. "His objective must be to be prepared in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in October, November or spring," the Italian told French media. Ancelotti caused local debate last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, suggesting the star had been excluded from the team over physical condition issues. But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was left out for technical reasons; it has nothing to do with my fitness level." In terms of popular view, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar. "If the player we have placed all our hopes on to win the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, clearly issues exist," Cafu observed. Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002? Research from Datafolha found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be selected 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 in-game attitude either. He seems increased agitation than normal, having exchanged words with fans repeatedly in venues - it occurred in three consecutive matches in mid-year. The next month, the striker was reduced to crying after Santos suffered a 6-0 home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his career. When asked by a reporter about his physical state in a game aftermath discussion, he also lost his patience: "Again with this, mate? I've responded to this repeatedly already." The identical inquiry has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well. "Neymar's intention was to spend five months at Santos. To what end? To recover. If Neymar was able to feature, amen," he previously explained, causing outrage among supporters. There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's best days haven't ended and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in the 2002 World Cup to surmount doubt and injuries to guide Brazil to the championship trophy. The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend notes parallels. "He's a vital player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent appearance with the forward in the Brazilian city. "It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's disregarding his fitness rehabilitation. Anyone who have been in football knows perfectly how hard it is to return from an injury and recover rhythm and confidence. He's right on track." The Brazilian forward has a important timeframe ahead to show that he's not the prince who stepped away from greatness.