Brazil's Undisputed Star? Neymar's World Cup Countdown Challenge
While Ousmane Dembele was crowned the prestigious football award in late September, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously taking part in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace eventually placed as second place, collecting around £73,800 in prize money.
It was limited solace on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona claim the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After returning to his boyhood club Santos in the new year, the experienced attacker has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for similar incidents than for his on-field performances.
His homecoming after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to regain his form and, most importantly, rekindle a passion for the game that seemed lost after frustrating spells with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been largely underwhelming for each stakeholder.
Such is the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will participate in the upcoming global tournament.
He's against the clock.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are prepared. The deadline approaches [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao stated in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti disclosed his team selection for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and Japan and, once again, Neymar was excluded.
"O Principe", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a reference to the king Pele, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for two years.
He continues to be an fitness concern for the November games, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two friendly matches in March 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the announcement of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, bearing enormous expectations on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu stated.
"But no one wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our expectations on him at the present time is challenging because he struggles to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not only has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his homecoming - he's missed nearly half of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was available for selection, he was a distant from the player who during his prime rivaled Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, half have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's top flight - 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 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 coach told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti caused local debate last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, suggesting the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was excluded for tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my physical condition."
In terms of fan opinion, it definitely didn't help for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to win the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, obviously issues exist," Cafu said.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Polls from Datafolha found that the Brazilian public are divided 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 behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems increased agitation than normal, having exchanged words with fans repeatedly in stadiums - it happened in successive games in July.
The following month, the striker was emotional after Santos endured a six-goal home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the heaviest defeat of his professional life.
When questioned by a journalist about his fitness condition in a post-match interview, he also lost his patience: "Again with this, mate? I've responded to this countless times already."
The identical inquiry has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to spend five months at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he previously explained, causing displeasure among followers.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's best days remain possible and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to surmount skepticism and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend notes similarities.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an misrepresentation from a minority who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.
Anyone who have been in football understand completely how hard it is to return from an setback and regain form and self-belief. He's progressing well."
The Santos star has a critical period ahead to demonstrate that he's not the heir who abandoned the throne.
