The Brazilian Unquestioned Star? Neymar's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
As Ousmane Dembele was crowned the prestigious football award in the autumn months, Neymar was lying in bed for his third injury of the year - simultaneously engaging in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace eventually placed as second place, earning around seventy-three thousand pounds in tournament winnings.
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 consistently dreamed to win.
After coming back to his youth team Santos in January, the experienced attacker has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for episodes like this than for his on-field performances.
His return home after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to return to peak condition and, crucially, restore a love of football that seemed lost after frustrating spells with PSG and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been widely disappointing for all parties involved.
Such is the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will make it to the upcoming global tournament.
He's facing a deadline.
"All players have to prove that they are prepared. The clock is ticking [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao wrote in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti disclosed his team selection for the upcoming games against South Korea and the Asian nation and, yet again, Neymar was absent.
"The Prince", 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 absent from the Selecao for 24 months.
He also remains an fitness concern for the November games, which, in the worst scenario, 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, bearing huge responsibility on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu remarked.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Placing all our expectations on him at the moment is problematic because he struggles to even play multiple matches in a row."
'If Neymar is left out for technical reasons, something isn't right'
Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns since his homecoming - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was able to play, he was a distant from the player who during his zenith dared to challenge the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, five have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's first division - a scoring contribution 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 once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is ready for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be prepared in June. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, November or March," the coach told French media.
Ancelotti created local debate last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, suggesting 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 no connection to my fitness level."
In terms of fan opinion, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have invested our faith in to win the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, evidently issues exist," Cafu said.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Studies from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be selected for his next global tournament.
With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't helped his case much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems more on edge than normal, having argued with fans repeatedly in venues - it occurred in three consecutive matches in July.
The next month, the striker was emotional after Santos endured a six-goal home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the worst result of his professional life.
When questioned by a journalist about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he also lost his patience: "Again with this, friend? I've responded to this repeatedly already."
The identical inquiry has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's intention was to spend a limited period at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among fans.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's peak years haven't ended and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to surmount doubt and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend sees comparisons.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an overstatement from a minority who believe he's disregarding his fitness rehabilitation.
Those who have been in football understand completely how challenging it is to come back from an setback and regain rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well."
The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to show that he's not the heir who relinquished his status.
