Brazil's Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
While the French winger received the prestigious football award in the autumn months, Neymar was undergoing therapy for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously engaging in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran Brazilian ace eventually placed as second place, securing around seventy-three thousand pounds in prize money.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to witness the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had long hoped to win.
Since returning to his youth team Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for comparable situations than for his on-field performances.
His homecoming after a dozen campaigns away was intended as a chance for him to regain his form and, crucially, revive a love of football that seemed lost after frustrating spells with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been largely underwhelming for each stakeholder.
This reflects the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will participate in the upcoming global tournament.
He's against the clock.
"Even the stars have to demonstrate that they are ready. The deadline approaches [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao wrote in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed his squad for the upcoming games against South Korea and the Asian nation and, yet again, Neymar was excluded.
"The Prince", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been missing from the national team for two years.
He also remains an fitness concern for the November games, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two exhibition games in spring 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the revealing of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's unquestioned talisman, bearing huge responsibility on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu stated.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the moment is difficult 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 various physical concerns since his homecoming - he's missed 47% of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was able to play, he was a distant from the player who during his zenith competed with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's top flight - a goal and assist 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 number 10 no longer seems to be the difference maker he once was.
Despite that, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is fit 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, November or spring," the coach told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti stirred local debate last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, claiming the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was left out for tactical decisions; it has no connection to my physical condition."
In terms of fan opinion, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to deliver the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, clearly something isn't right," Cafu commented.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Polls from Datafolha found that the Brazilian public are split over whether Neymar should be included for his next global tournament.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't helped his case much with his conduct during matches either.
He seems increased agitation than normal, having confronted fans multiple times in venues - it occurred in successive games in July.
The following month, the striker was left in tears after Santos suffered a 6-0 home defeat by their rivals - the worst result of his professional life.
When asked by a reporter about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he became frustrated: "Again with this, mate? I've responded to this repeatedly already."
The similar query has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to remain for a limited period at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, so be it," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among followers.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's best days haven't ended and that he will be able to revive his career the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to surmount criticism and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend notes comparisons.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo stated 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.
Anyone who have been in football knows perfectly how challenging it is to return from an injury and regain rhythm and confidence. He's moving forward."
The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to show that he's not the prince who stepped away from greatness.
