Brazil's Undisputed Star? Neymar's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
While the French winger was crowned the prestigious football award in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously participating in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old football star ultimately finished as runner-up, securing around seventy-three thousand pounds in tournament winnings.
It was limited solace on a day when he had to watch the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
Since returning to his youth team Santos in the new year, the experienced attacker has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for episodes like this than for his football.
His return home after 12 seasons away was meant to be a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, restore a passion for the game that seemed diminished after frustrating spells with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been largely underwhelming for all parties involved.
Such is the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will be part of the 2026 World Cup.
He's against the clock.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are prepared. The clock is ticking [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao wrote in his regular feature.
On midweek, Brazil manager the Italian tactician disclosed his team selection for the upcoming games against South Korea and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was absent.
"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for 24 months.
He continues to be an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with only two friendly matches in March 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the announcement of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's unquestioned talisman, shouldering enormous expectations on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu said.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Placing all our hopes on him at the moment is problematic because he struggles to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns since his return to Brazil - he's been absent for 47% of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was available for selection, he was a far cry from the player who during his zenith rivaled Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's top flight - a scoring contribution against Agua Santa, followed by a goal and two assists versus Inter de Limeira, all in the regional competition.
As Santos battle against demotion in the Brazilian first tier, the playmaker no longer seems to be the difference maker he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has sufficient months to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His goal must be to be ready in June. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, November or March," the coach told French media.
Ancelotti created local debate last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, suggesting 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 fan opinion, it definitely didn't help for Neymar.
"If the player we have invested our faith in to deliver the World Cup is left out for performance issues, evidently something isn't right," Cafu observed.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Research from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be selected for his fourth World Cup.
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 normal, having confronted fans repeatedly in stadiums - it occurred in successive games in mid-year.
The following month, the forward was reduced to crying after Santos endured a 6-0 home defeat by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his career.
When asked by a reporter about his physical state in a game aftermath discussion, he became frustrated: "This topic again, mate? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The similar query has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to remain for five months at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing anger among fans.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's best days remain possible and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way striker Ronaldo "FenĂ´meno" did in 2002 to overcome criticism and injuries to lead Brazil to the World Cup title.
The Brazilian great observes comparisons.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo stated during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an overstatement from a minority who believe he's ignoring his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football knows perfectly how difficult it is to come back from an setback and restore form and self-belief. He's right on track."
The Santos star has a critical period ahead to prove that he's not the heir who stepped away from greatness.
