The Brazilian Undisputed Superstar? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
As Ousmane Dembele claimed the prestigious football award in the autumn months, Neymar was receiving treatment for his third injury of the year - simultaneously participating in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran football star ultimately finished as runner-up, securing around seventy-three thousand pounds 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 coming back to his youth team Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for comparable situations than for his football.
His return home 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 disappointing periods with PSG and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been widely disappointing for each stakeholder.
Such is the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will make it to the 2026 World Cup.
He's running out of time.
"All players have to prove that they are prepared. The clock is ticking [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao stated in his regular feature.
On midweek, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician revealed his squad for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and Japan and, once again, Neymar was not in it.
"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when welcomed back at Santos in a reference to the legend Pelé, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for 24 months.
He also remains an injury doubt 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 final list for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, shouldering massive pressure on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu remarked.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the present time is difficult because he finds it hard 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 homecoming - he's been absent for 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 competed with the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's first division - a goal and assist against a lower-league side, followed by a three goal involvements versus another lower-division opponent, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.
As Santos fight relegation in the top division, the number 10 no longer seems to be the game-changer he previously represented.
Despite that, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has plenty of time to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be ready in June. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in autumn, late autumn or March," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti stirred local debate last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, claiming the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was left out for tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my physical condition."
In terms of popular view, it definitely didn't help for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to deliver the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, clearly something isn't right," Cafu commented.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Studies from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be included for his next global tournament.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his conduct during matches either.
He seems increased agitation than usual, having exchanged words with fans repeatedly in venues - it occurred in three consecutive matches in mid-year.
The following month, the forward was left in tears after Santos suffered a 6-0 home defeat by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his career.
When asked by a reporter about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he also lost his patience: "This topic again, 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 remain for five months at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing outrage among followers.
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 "Phenomenon" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome skepticism and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend observes similarities.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo stated during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an misrepresentation from a minority who believe he's neglecting his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football recognize fully how difficult it is to come back from an setback and regain rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well."
The Brazilian forward has a critical period ahead to demonstrate that he's not the prince who abandoned the throne.
