🔗 Share this article The Brazilian Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar's Global Tournament Race Against Time As the French winger received the prestigious football award in late September, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his third injury of the year - while taking part in an virtual card tournament. The veteran football star eventually placed as second place, securing around £73,800 in tournament winnings. It was partial comfort on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona claim the award he had consistently dreamed to win. Since returning to his boyhood club Santos in January, the experienced attacker has failed to live up to expectations, drawing 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, rekindle a love of football that seemed gone after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal. Conversely, it has been largely underwhelming for each stakeholder. 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 running out of time. "All players have to demonstrate that they are fit. The time is passing [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao wrote in his regular feature. On Wednesday, Brazil manager the Italian tactician announced his squad for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was absent. "The Prince", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a reference to the legend Pelé, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been missing from the national team for 24 months. He also remains an injury doubt for the November games, 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. "Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, carrying huge responsibility on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu remarked. "But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the moment is difficult because he has difficulty to even play three games in a row." 'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar' Not only 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 different to the player who during his prime rivaled the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo. Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's top flight - a goal and assist against Agua Santa, 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 number 10 no longer seems to be the difference maker he previously represented. Despite that, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is fit for the World Cup. "His aim must be to be ready in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in autumn, November or spring," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper. Ancelotti stirred local discussion last month by reportedly trying to protect Neymar, claiming the star had been excluded from the team over physical condition issues. But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was left out 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. "If the player we have placed all our hopes on to deliver the World Cup is excluded for performance issues, clearly something isn't right," Cafu commented. Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002? Studies from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be selected for his next global tournament. With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his in-game attitude either. He seems more on edge than normal, having argued with fans on several occasions in stadiums - it occurred in three consecutive matches in July. The next month, the striker was emotional after Santos suffered a 6-0 loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the heaviest defeat of his career. When asked by a journalist about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he also lost his patience: "This topic again, mate? I've responded to this 500 times already." The identical inquiry has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well. "Neymar's intention was to remain for a limited period at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, amen," he previously explained, causing outrage among supporters. There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's prime period haven't ended and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to surmount skepticism and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the World Cup title. The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend observes parallels. "He's a essential player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo stated during a recent appearance with the forward in the Brazilian city. "It's an misrepresentation from a small group 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 injury and regain form and self-belief. He's progressing well." The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to prove that he's not the prince who stepped away from greatness.