The Brazilian Undisputed Superstar? Neymar's World Cup Race Against Time
As the French winger claimed the prestigious football award in late September, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his third injury of the year - simultaneously engaging in an online poker tournament.
The veteran Brazilian ace eventually placed as runner-up, collecting around £73,800 in tournament winnings.
It was limited solace on a day when he had to watch the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona receive the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After returning to his youth team Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for episodes like this than for his on-field performances.
His homecoming after a dozen campaigns away was intended as a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, revive a passion for the game that seemed diminished after frustrating spells with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been largely underwhelming for everyone concerned.
This reflects the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will be part of the upcoming global tournament.
He's facing a deadline.
"All players have to prove that they are prepared. The time is passing [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao commented in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti disclosed his squad for the upcoming games against South Korea and Japan and, once again, Neymar was not in it.
"The Prince", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the legend Pelé, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team for 24 months.
He continues to be an injury doubt 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 revealing of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, 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 difficult because he struggles to even play three games 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 different to the player who during his peak competed with the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's first division - a goal and assist against Agua Santa, followed by a goal and two assists versus Inter de Limeira, all in the regional competition.
As Santos battle against demotion in the top division, the number 10 no longer seems to be the difference maker he previously represented.
Despite that, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has plenty of time to show he is ready for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be ready in June. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in autumn, late autumn or spring," the coach told French media.
Ancelotti created local controversy last month by reportedly trying to protect Neymar, claiming the star had been omitted from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was left out for technical reasons; 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 pinned our dreams on to deliver the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, clearly issues exist," Cafu observed.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Research from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians 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 improved his situation much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems increased agitation than normal, having exchanged words with fans repeatedly in venues - it happened in three consecutive matches in July.
The following month, the striker was emotional after Santos endured a 6-0 home defeat by their rivals - the worst result of his professional life.
When questioned by a reporter about his fitness condition in a post-match interview, he showed irritation: "Again with this, friend? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The similar query has been posed to his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for five months at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he previously explained, causing outrage among followers.
There's continuing belief, 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 doubt and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The Brazilian great notes comparisons.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent appearance with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's disregarding his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football recognize fully how challenging it is to return from an injury and regain form and self-belief. He's moving forward."
The Santos star has a important timeframe ahead to show that he's not the heir who stepped away from greatness.
