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

As Ousmane Dembele was crowned the prestigious football award in late September, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his latest physical setback of the year - while participating in an virtual card tournament.

The veteran football star eventually placed as second place, earning around seventy-three thousand pounds in tournament winnings.

It was limited solace on a day when he had to witness the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win.

After returning to his boyhood club Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for comparable situations than for his football.

His return home after a dozen campaigns away was intended as a chance for him to return to peak condition and, crucially, restore a passion for the game that seemed lost after frustrating spells with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal.

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 if Neymar will participate in the 2026 World Cup.

He's running out of time.

On Wednesday, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti disclosed his squad for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was excluded.

"O Principe", as he was dubbed when received at Santos in a reference to the legend Pelé, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team for two years.

He continues to be an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with just a pair of friendly matches in spring 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. Putting all our expectations on him at the moment is challenging because he struggles to even play multiple matches in a row."

Not just has Neymar had various physical concerns since his return to Brazil - he's missed nearly half of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was able to play, he was a far cry from the player who during his prime 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 first division - a scoring contribution against a lower-league side, followed by a three goal involvements versus Inter de Limeira, all in the regional competition.

As Santos battle against demotion in the top division, the number 10 no longer seems to be the decisive factor he once was.

Nevertheless, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has sufficient months to show he is ready for the World Cup.

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

But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was left out for technical reasons; it has no connection to my physical condition."

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

Studies from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be called up for his next global tournament.

With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't helped his case much with his behaviour on the pitch either.

He seems greater frustration than usual, having confronted fans multiple times in stadiums - it happened in successive games in July.

The following month, the forward was left in tears after Santos endured a six-goal loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the worst result of his professional life.

When questioned by a reporter about his physical state in a post-match interview, he showed irritation: "This topic again, mate? I've answered this 500 times already."

The identical inquiry has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.

"Neymar's intention was to remain for five months at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he earlier stated, causing anger among supporters.

There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's best days aren't over and that he will be able to revive his career the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to overcome skepticism and injuries to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.

The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend notes comparisons.

"It's an overstatement from a minority who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.

Those who have been in football recognize fully how difficult it is to return from an setback and restore rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."

The Brazilian forward has a important timeframe ahead to prove that he's not the heir who stepped away from greatness.