The Brazilian Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar Jr's World Cup Race Against Time
As Ousmane Dembele claimed the prestigious football award in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his third injury of the year - while participating in an online poker tournament.
The veteran football star ultimately finished as second place, collecting around £73,800 in prize money.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to watch the player who once replaced him at Barcelona receive the award he had long hoped to win.
Since returning to his boyhood club Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for similar incidents than for his on-field performances.
His return home after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, rekindle a passion for the game that seemed lost after frustrating spells with PSG and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been largely underwhelming for each stakeholder.
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 against the clock.
"All players have to prove that they are fit. The clock is ticking [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao wrote in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil manager the Italian tactician revealed his squad for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was excluded.
"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when received at Santos in a nod toward the legend Pelé, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been missing from the national team for 24 months.
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 demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the announcement 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," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu remarked.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the moment is challenging 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 been absent for 47% of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was available for selection, he was a different to the player who during his prime competed with the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's first division - a scoring contribution 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 battle against demotion in the top division, the playmaker no longer seems to be the game-changer he previously represented.
Despite that, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has plenty of time to show he is ready for the World Cup.
"His goal must be to be ready in summer. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, November or spring," the coach told French media.
Ancelotti created local debate last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, suggesting the star had been excluded from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was excluded for technical reasons; it has no connection to my fitness level."
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 excluded for technical reasons, evidently something isn't right," Cafu observed.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Research from a leading polling institute found that the Brazilian public are divided over whether Neymar should be included for his fourth World Cup.
With his record tally, 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 confronted fans on several occasions in stadiums - it occurred in successive games in mid-year.
The following month, the striker was reduced to crying after Santos suffered a 6-0 home defeat by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his career.
When questioned by a journalist about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he showed irritation: "This topic again, mate? I've responded to this repeatedly already."
The identical inquiry has been posed to his father and agent 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 supporters.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's prime period remain possible and that he will be able to revive his career the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome doubt and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The Brazilian great notes comparisons.
"He's a vital 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 misrepresentation from a minority who believe he's ignoring his fitness rehabilitation.
Those who have been in football recognize fully how hard it is to return from an injury and restore rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a critical period ahead to prove that he's not the prince who stepped away from greatness.