The Brazilian Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar's World Cup Countdown Challenge
As Ousmane Dembele was crowned the prestigious football award in late September, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously taking part in an online poker tournament.
The veteran Brazilian ace eventually placed as second place, securing around ÂŁ73,800 in prize money.
It was limited solace on a day when he had to witness the player who once replaced him at Barcelona claim the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After coming back to his boyhood club Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for similar incidents than for his on-field performances.
His homecoming after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to return to peak condition and, crucially, revive a love of football that seemed lost after frustrating spells with PSG and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been widely disappointing for each stakeholder.
This reflects the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will make it to the upcoming global tournament.
He's running out of time.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are ready. The time is passing [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao stated in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil manager the Italian tactician revealed his team selection for the upcoming games against South Korea and Japan and, once again, Neymar was not in it.
"The Prince", as he was nicknamed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the legend PelĂŠ, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for two years.
He also remains an injury doubt for the November games, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with just a pair of friendly matches in March 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the revealing of the final list for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, shouldering huge responsibility on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu remarked.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the moment is problematic because he finds it hard 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 repeated injury problems since his return to Brazil - he's missed nearly half of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was able to play, he was a far cry from the player who during his peak competed with the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's top flight - a goal and assist against Agua Santa, followed by a three goal involvements versus Inter de Limeira, all in the regional competition.
As Santos fight relegation in the top division, the playmaker no longer seems to be the difference maker he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is ready for the World Cup.
"His goal must be to be prepared in June. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in autumn, late autumn or March," the coach told French media.
Ancelotti stirred local controversy last month by allegedly attempting to protect 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 tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my fitness level."
In terms of public perception, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to win the World Cup is left out for performance issues, evidently there's a problem," Cafu said.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Studies from Datafolha found that the Brazilian public are split over whether Neymar should be included for his fourth World Cup.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't helped his case much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems increased agitation than normal, having confronted fans repeatedly in venues - it happened in three consecutive matches in mid-year.
The following month, the striker was left in tears after Santos suffered a six-goal home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the heaviest defeat of his career.
When questioned by a reporter about his physical state in a post-match interview, he showed irritation: "Again with this, mate? I've responded to this 500 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, amen," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among followers.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's prime period remain possible and that he will be able to revive his career the same way forward Ronaldo "FenĂ´meno" did in the 2002 World Cup to surmount skepticism and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend sees similarities.
"He's a crucial 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 small group who believe he's disregarding his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football recognize fully how difficult it is to return from an injury and restore rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well."
The Santos star has a important timeframe ahead to show that he's not the prince who abandoned the throne.
