The clock is ticking against Neymar. The Brazil No. 10 has fewer than 77 days to convince Carlo Ancelotti and the soccer world that he deserves a chance to represent Brazil and fight for what could be his final World Cup.

Right now, the cards are stacked against him. He is not at his best physically, and there is little expectation he will suddenly return to peak form. In other words, that version of Neymar may be gone for good. Santos understands the reality, but the club is still willing to try. This is the final act of a king without his crown.

How Neymar can guarantee Brazil call

Ancelotti and the Brazilian Football Confederation have been clear from the start. To be called back into the national team, Neymar must be at 100%. There are no exceptions. Given his legacy, he cannot simply be treated like any other player from a different era. Communication over recent months has remained constant, and a faint thread of hope still existed. It was thin, but enough to keep a dream alive. Still, Neymar is also dealing with a more complicated version of himself.

A false fresh start

He began the year at square one, determined to take control of his situation. He knew he needed a change in lifestyle. His New Year’s resolution was simple: focus on soccer and leave distractions behind.

The early signs were positive. He followed a personalized nutrition and training plan, coordinated closely with Santos, carefully managing his workload to avoid setbacks. The Brazilian federation was encouraged. Neymar was essentially betting everything on a do-or-die push. But once again, inconsistency and off-field issues began to interfere.

The World Cup turning point

The key moment came in a match against Mirassol. Neymar was informed weeks in advance that a delegation led by Ancelotti and Rodrigo Caetano, Brazil’s national team director, would be attending to watch him in action.

The problem was simple. He never appeared in the squad list. He was not called up, with the absence explained as part of an arrangement agreed with Santos.

The Brazilian federation did not take it well. It was serious enough to leave him out of the most recent national team call-up.

“If he is at 100%, then yes, he can be called,” Ancelotti said in a press conference. “Why didn’t I call him? Because he is not at his best level. We need players at 100%. The decision could be different for the final roster. He has to keep working, keep playing, and show his qualities in good physical condition.”

Brazil legends back Neymar

To make matters more complicated, the public push to bring Neymar back is not universally welcomed. Brazilian legends such as Ronaldo and Zico, along with major cultural figures like singer Leo Santana, have called for his return, even though other players currently appear in better form.

Neymar still has time to change the narrative. The World Cup remains within reach, but the margin for error is shrinking fast.

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