🔗 Share this article Brazil's Undisputed Superstar? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Race Against Time As the French winger claimed the prestigious football award in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was receiving treatment for his third injury of the year - while engaging in an virtual card tournament. The 33-year-old Brazilian ace eventually placed as runner-up, collecting around seventy-three thousand pounds 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 long hoped to win. Since returning to his youth team Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for similar incidents than for his football. His return home after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to rediscover his best and, crucially, rekindle a love of football that seemed gone after disappointing periods with PSG and the Saudi club. Instead, it has been largely underwhelming for everyone concerned. This reflects the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will participate in the upcoming global tournament. He's running out of time. "All players have to demonstrate that they are ready. The clock is ticking [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao wrote in his newspaper column. On Wednesday, Brazil manager the Italian tactician revealed his team selection for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was not in it. "O Principe", as he was nicknamed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the legend Pelé, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for two years. He also remains an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with only two exhibition games in March 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the announcement of the definitive squad for the World Cup. "For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, bearing huge responsibility on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu stated. "But no one wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our expectations on him at the moment is challenging because he has difficulty to even play multiple matches in a row." 'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues' Not only has Neymar had repeated injury problems since his return to Brazil - he's missed nearly half of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a far cry from the player who during his prime dared to challenge the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo. Of his nine goal contributions so far, five have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's top flight - a scoring contribution against a lower-league side, followed by a three goal involvements versus Inter de Limeira, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship. As Santos fight relegation in the Brazilian first tier, the number 10 no longer seems to be the decisive factor he once was. Despite that, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has sufficient months to show he is prepared for the World Cup. "His aim must be to be prepared in June. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in autumn, November or spring," the coach told L'Equipe newspaper. Ancelotti created local debate last month by reportedly trying to shield Neymar, suggesting the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues. But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was excluded for tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my fitness level." In terms of popular view, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar. "If the player we have pinned our dreams on to win the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, clearly something isn't right," Cafu said. Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002? Studies from Datafolha 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 behaviour on the pitch either. He seems increased agitation than usual, having exchanged words with fans multiple times in venues - it happened in three consecutive matches in mid-year. The following month, the striker was left in tears after Santos endured a six-goal loss at home by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his career. When asked by a reporter about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he showed irritation: "This topic again, friend? I've answered this 500 times already." The same kind of question has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well. "Neymar's intention was to remain for a limited period at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing anger among followers. There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's best days haven't ended and that he will be able to revive his career the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to overcome criticism and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the championship trophy. The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend notes comparisons. "He's a vital player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo stated during a recent appearance with the forward in Sao Paulo. "It's an overstatement from a small group who believe he's neglecting his fitness rehabilitation. Those who have been in football recognize fully how challenging it is to recover from an setback and recover rhythm and confidence. He's right on track." The Santos star has a few decisive months ahead to prove that he's not the heir who relinquished his status.