The Brazilian Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
While Ousmane Dembele received the prestigious football award in late September, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his third injury of the year - simultaneously taking part in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace ultimately finished as second place, collecting around £73,800 in tournament winnings.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to watch the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had long hoped to win.
Since returning to his youth team Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, attracting more attention for comparable situations 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, crucially, revive a passion for the game that seemed lost after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal.
Conversely, it has been largely underwhelming for everyone concerned.
This reflects the situation that the main question being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will participate in the 2026 World Cup.
He's facing a deadline.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are fit. The clock is ticking [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao stated in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician announced his team selection for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was absent.
"The Prince", as he was nicknamed when received at Santos in a reference to the legend Pelé, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for two years.
He also remains an fitness concern for the November games, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two friendly matches in spring 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the revealing of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's unquestioned talisman, shouldering huge responsibility on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu said.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Placing all our expectations on him at the present time 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 zenith dared to challenge the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his several attacking returns so far, half have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's first division - a scoring contribution against a lower-league side, followed by a goal and two assists versus another lower-division opponent, all in the regional competition.
As Santos fight relegation in the top division, the number 10 no longer seems to be the decisive factor he once was.
Despite that, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has plenty of time to show he is prepared 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, late autumn or spring," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti created local discussion last month by allegedly attempting to shield 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 technical reasons; it has no connection to my physical condition."
In terms of public perception, it definitely didn't help for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to win the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, obviously there's a problem," Cafu observed.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Polls from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be included for his fourth World Cup.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't helped his case much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems greater frustration than usual, having exchanged words with fans on several occasions in venues - it occurred in three consecutive matches in July.
The next month, the forward was left in tears after Santos suffered a six-goal home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the worst result of his career.
When questioned by a journalist about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he showed irritation: "This topic again, friend? I've responded to this 500 times already."
The identical inquiry has been posed to his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for a limited period at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, amen," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among supporters.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's peak years remain possible and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to surmount doubt and injuries to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The Brazilian great observes parallels.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent appearance with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an misrepresentation from a small group who believe he's ignoring his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football recognize fully how difficult it is to return from an injury and recover rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well."
The Santos star has a few decisive months ahead to demonstrate that he's not the heir who stepped away from greatness.
