Neymar is still fighting to reach the World Cup, but injuries, physical decline, and new controversies have made it harder for him.

For Neymar, last night's game was not just an ordinary defeat; it might have been his last chance to stay in the World Cup dream.

The 34-year-old Brazilian star, who has not been able to return to his ideal form after a severe cruciate ligament injury, made headlines during Santos' 3-0 defeat to Coritiba due to a strange incident; while he was being treated for his calf off the field, he suddenly realized he had been substituted by mistake.

The fourth official displayed number 10, Neymar, on the substitution board, while according to the official sheet, another player was supposed to leave the field. After seeing the incident, Neymar protested and even took the substitution sheet in front of the cameras to show the referee's mistake, but ultimately faced a yellow card.

This incident occurred just one day before the announcement of Brazil's World Cup squad; a list that is set to be announced by Carlo Ancelotti. Neymar, who has a history of playing for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al-Hilal, is still unsure if he will have a place in Brazil's final roster.

Brazilian media say some national team players have supported Neymar's presence, but his recurring injuries and unstable fitness have left the final decision still unclear.

Now for a star who was once a symbol of Brazilian football, the World Cup 2026 seems more like the last chance to return to the top; an opportunity that appears to be becoming more fragile each week.

Source: Gulf News