Brazil's Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar Jr's World Cup Countdown Challenge
As the French winger was crowned the prestigious football award in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously taking part in an online poker tournament.
The veteran football star ultimately finished as second place, earning around £73,800 in tournament winnings.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to observe the player who once replaced him at Barcelona claim the award he had long hoped to win.
Since coming back to his youth team Santos in January, the experienced attacker has failed to live up to expectations, attracting more attention for comparable situations than for his football.
His return home after 12 seasons away was meant to be a chance for him to regain his form and, most importantly, revive a passion for the game that seemed lost after frustrating spells with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been largely underwhelming for all parties involved.
This reflects the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will be part of the upcoming global tournament.
He's against the clock.
"All players have to demonstrate that they are prepared. The time is passing [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao stated in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti disclosed his team selection for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was not in it.
"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 absent from the national team for 24 months.
He continues to be an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two exhibition games in March 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 undisputed star, bearing massive pressure 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 problematic because he has difficulty to even play three games in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
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 different to the player who during his peak rivaled the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's top flight - a scoring contribution against Agua Santa, followed by a goal and two assists versus another lower-division opponent, all in the regional competition.
As Santos battle against demotion in the top division, the playmaker no longer seems to be the difference maker he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His goal 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 stirred local discussion last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, claiming 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 nothing to do with 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 win the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, obviously there's a problem," 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 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 in-game attitude either.
He seems more on edge than usual, having argued with fans multiple times in venues - it occurred in successive games in July.
The following month, the striker was left in tears after Santos endured a six-goal home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the heaviest defeat of his career.
When questioned by a journalist about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he became frustrated: "Again with this, mate? I've answered this countless times already."
The identical inquiry has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's intention was to spend five months at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he previously explained, causing displeasure among followers.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's prime period remain possible and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to overcome skepticism and injuries to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend notes similarities.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent appearance with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's ignoring his fitness rehabilitation.
Those who have been in football knows perfectly how difficult it is to come back from an injury and restore rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well."
The Santos star has a important timeframe ahead to demonstrate that he's not the heir who abandoned the throne.
