The Brazilian Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar's World Cup Race Against Time
As the French winger claimed the prestigious football award in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his third injury of the year - while taking part in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran Brazilian ace eventually placed as runner-up, securing around £73,800 in prize money.
It was partial comfort 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 returning to his boyhood club Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for comparable situations than for his on-field performances.
His return home after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to regain his form and, crucially, restore a love of football that seemed diminished 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 if Neymar will be part of the 2026 World Cup.
He's against the clock.
"All players have to prove that they are fit. The deadline approaches [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao wrote in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti disclosed his team selection for the upcoming games against South Korea and Japan and, once again, Neymar was excluded.
"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when received at Santos in a reference to the legend Pelé, 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 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 stated.
"But nobody wins the World Cup alone. Placing all our expectations on him at the moment is problematic because he finds it hard to even play three games in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not just has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his return to Brazil - he's been absent for 47% of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was able to play, he was a far cry from the player who during his peak rivaled the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his several attacking returns so far, half have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's top flight - a goal and assist against Agua Santa, 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 Brazilian first tier, the number 10 no longer seems to be the game-changer he once was.
Despite that, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has plenty of time to show he is ready for the World Cup.
"His goal must be to be prepared in summer. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, November or spring," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti caused local debate last month by reportedly trying to protect Neymar, stating the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was excluded for technical reasons; it has no connection to my fitness level."
In terms of fan opinion, 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 performance issues, evidently issues exist," Cafu observed.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Polls from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be included 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 behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems greater frustration than normal, having exchanged words with fans multiple times in venues - it happened in successive games in July.
The next month, the striker was emotional after Santos suffered a 6-0 loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the worst result of his career.
When questioned by a reporter about his physical state in a post-match interview, he showed irritation: "Again with this, friend? I've answered this 500 times already."
The similar query has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for a limited period at Santos. To what end? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he earlier stated, causing anger among supporters.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's best days remain possible and that he will be able to revive his career the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to surmount doubt and injuries to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The Brazilian great sees parallels.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo stated during a recent event with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an overstatement from a small group who believe he's disregarding his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football knows perfectly how hard it is to come back from an setback and recover rhythm and confidence. He's moving forward."
The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to demonstrate that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.
