The countdown clock is ticking for Neymar.

Perhaps never before has the image of Neymar evoked so many conflicting emotions.

Neymar is unlikely to return to the Brazilian national team.

When Ousmane Dembele – who had arrived at Barcelona to replace him – lifted the 2025 Ballon d'Or, Neymar had just finished an online poker tournament where he came second and pocketed £73,800. A bitterly ironic moment: his successor reached the pinnacle of world football , while he, the "Prince of Brazilian Football," was struggling to revive his career.

Too bad for Neymar.

Returning to Santos in January, Neymar was welcomed back like a prodigal son, as if destined to restore the glory of Brazilian football. He was called "O Príncipe" - the Prince, reminiscent of "King" Pele. But ten months later, all that remains is disappointment. At 33, plagued by injuries, his form has declined, and Neymar's name appears in the newspapers more often for off-field reasons than for goals.

For 15 years, Neymar was the soul of Brazilian football, a worthy successor to the era of Ronaldinho, Kaka, and Rivaldo. He carried the burden of an entire nation's expectations, prompting PSG to spend 222 million euros to acquire this "superman." But now, looking back, that very legacy has become a shadow weighing down on him.

At Santos, Neymar missed 47% of the season's matches due to injury. When he did manage to play, he only made an impact in games against lower-division opponents in the São Paulo state league. In the Brazilian Serie A, where Santos is struggling to avoid relegation, he ranks only 50th in the league for successful dribbles – a stark statistic that reveals the harsh reality that the "number 10" of yesteryear is no longer the decisive factor.

Neymar hasn't shown much since returning to Santos.

The Brazilian public, known for its love but also its fickle nature, is beginning to split. According to a Datafolha survey, 48% of respondents want Neymar to play in the 2026 World Cup, while 41% oppose it. The debate is no longer about talent – ​​which everyone acknowledges – but rather the question: does he still have the desire, the physical condition, and the mental fortitude to fight for the yellow and green jersey?

When Ancelotti was also confused

Carlo Ancelotti, known for his composure, was also flustered when asked about Neymar. The Italian coach asserted: “The important thing is that he is ready in June, not whether he is on the October or November roster.” A diplomatic way of speaking to mask the reality: Neymar is no longer in Brazil’s short-term plans.

Worse still, a disconnect had formed between them. Ancelotti once said Neymar was dropped for fitness reasons, but the striker responded: "I was dropped for professional reasons." When a player and a coach no longer speak the same language, trust – once the strongest foundation of Neymar's career – began to crumble.

Cafu, a former World Cup winner, stated bluntly: "If the player we placed all our hopes on is dropped for technical reasons, then clearly something is wrong." This is not only a wake-up call for Neymar, but also a lament for an entire generation of Brazilians who believed he was the chosen one.

When a star hits rock bottom, people often scrutinize every small action. Neymar argued with fans, broke down in tears after the 0-6 defeat against Vasco da Gama – the heaviest loss of his career – and snapped when a reporter asked about his fitness: “That question again? I’ve answered it 500 times already.” Those moments were no longer the reactions of an arrogant star, but the helplessness of someone once accustomed to the spotlight.

His father, Neymar Sr., even stated bluntly: “The plan is for Neymar to stay at Santos for five months – to recover. If he can play, that’s great, if not, that’s okay too.” For the fans, that was a heart-wrenching statement: faith in an icon was melting away.

Is there a miracle for Neymar?

And then, like a glimmer of hope, Ronaldo "The Alien" appeared to defend his younger teammates. He understood better than anyone the feeling of being doubted, of being considered past his prime - until he returned and led Brazil to the championship in 2002.

“Neymar is still a special player. Nobody in Brazil can replace him. Anyone who has ever played football knows how difficult it is to return from injury. He is on the right track,” Ronaldo said.

Ronaldo not only gave Neymar confidence, but also reminded the world that football sometimes offers a second chance to those who have hit rock bottom – as long as they want to rise again.

Time is running out faster than Neymar realizes. Between now and June 2026, he may only have a few matches to prove he still deserves the yellow and green jersey that made him famous. It's a race against time, against public opinion, and against his own body, which has betrayed him too many times.

The question is no longer whether Neymar still has the talent – ​​but whether he still has the desire to live for what once made him different: the joy of playing football.

If Ronaldo returned to reclaim his glory, then Neymar, at least, still has a chance to regain respect. But he must start today – not at the poker table, but on the pitch, where the throne is slowly cooling down due to the absence of a true successor.

Source: https://znews.vn/dong-ho-dem-nguoc-voi-neymar-post1591239.html