The Brazilian Unquestioned Star? Neymar Jr's World Cup Race Against Time
While Ousmane Dembele was crowned the prestigious football award in late September, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his third injury of the year - while participating in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran Brazilian ace eventually placed as runner-up, securing around £73,800 in prize money.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to witness the player who once replaced him at Barcelona claim the award he had long hoped to win.
Since returning to his youth team Santos in January, the experienced attacker has failed to live up to expectations, attracting more attention for comparable situations than for his on-field performances.
His return home after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to return to peak condition and, crucially, revive a passion for the game that seemed diminished after disappointing periods with PSG and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been generally unsatisfactory for each stakeholder.
Such is the situation that the main question being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will make it to the 2026 World Cup.
He's facing a deadline.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are ready. The deadline approaches [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 Japan and, yet again, Neymar was excluded.
"The Prince", as he was nicknamed when received at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for two years.
He continues to be an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with just a pair of exhibition games in spring 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the announcement of the final list for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's unquestioned talisman, carrying massive pressure on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu stated.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the moment is challenging because he finds it hard to even play multiple matches in a row."
'If Neymar is left out for technical reasons, something isn't right'
Not just has Neymar had repeated injury problems since his return to Brazil - he's been absent for 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 peak rivaled Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five 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 battle against demotion in the top division, the playmaker no longer seems to be the game-changer he once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has plenty of time to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be ready in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in autumn, late autumn or March," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti caused local discussion 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 challenged the claim, saying he "was left out for tactical decisions; 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 invested our faith in to deliver the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, clearly issues exist," Cafu observed.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Research from a leading polling institute found that the Brazilian public are split over whether Neymar should be selected for his fourth World Cup.
With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his conduct during matches either.
He seems greater frustration than normal, having argued with fans repeatedly in venues - it happened in three consecutive matches in mid-year.
The next month, the forward was emotional after Santos endured a six-goal home defeat by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his professional life.
When asked by a reporter about his physical state in a post-match interview, he also lost his patience: "This topic again, mate? I've answered this 500 times already."
The identical inquiry has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to spend a limited period at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he earlier stated, causing anger among fans.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's peak years haven't ended and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to overcome criticism and physical setbacks to lead 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 stated during a recent event with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an exaggeration from a small group who believe he's neglecting his fitness rehabilitation.
Those who have been in football understand completely how hard it is to recover from an injury and recover rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well."
The Brazilian forward has a important timeframe ahead to prove that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.
