Brazil's Undisputed Superstar? Neymar's World Cup Countdown Challenge
While the French winger was crowned the prestigious football award in late September, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his latest physical setback of the year - while participating in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran Brazilian ace eventually placed as second place, collecting around £73,800 in tournament winnings.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to witness the player who once replaced him at Barcelona lift the award he had long hoped to win.
After coming back to his boyhood club Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, attracting more attention for comparable situations than for his on-field performances.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was intended as a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, rekindle a love of football that seemed lost after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been widely disappointing for all parties involved.
Such is 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 time is passing [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao stated in his regular feature.
On midweek, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician revealed his team selection for the upcoming games against South Korea and the Asian nation and, yet again, Neymar was not in it.
"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been missing from the national team for two years.
He continues to be an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with just a pair of friendly matches in spring 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the revealing of the final list for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, carrying huge responsibility on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu said.
"But no one wins the World Cup alone. Placing all our hopes on him at the moment is challenging because he has difficulty to even play three games in a row."
'If Neymar is left out for technical reasons, something isn't right'
Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns since his homecoming - he's been absent for 47% of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a different to the player who during his peak dared to challenge the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his several attacking returns so far, half have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's first division - a scoring contribution against Agua Santa, followed by a three goal involvements versus another lower-division opponent, all in the regional competition.
As Santos battle against demotion in the Brazilian first tier, the number 10 no longer seems to be the difference maker he once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has plenty of time to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be ready in summer. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in autumn, late autumn or spring," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti created local debate last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, stating the star had been omitted from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was left out for technical reasons; it has no connection to my fitness level."
In terms of fan opinion, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to win the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, evidently something isn't right," Cafu commented.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Studies from Datafolha found that the Brazilian public are split over whether Neymar should be called up for his next global tournament.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't helped his case much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems more on edge than usual, having exchanged words with fans on several occasions in stadiums - it happened in three consecutive matches in mid-year.
The following month, the forward was left in tears after Santos endured a six-goal home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his professional life.
When questioned by a reporter about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he became frustrated: "This topic again, friend? I've responded to this countless times already."
The similar query has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to spend a limited period at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, amen," he previously explained, causing displeasure among fans.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's prime period aren't over and that he will be able to revive his career the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to surmount criticism and injuries to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend observes comparisons.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent event with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football recognize fully how hard it is to return from an injury and restore form and self-belief. He's moving forward."
The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to prove that he's not the heir who stepped away from greatness.
