Brazil's Undisputed Superstar? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Race Against Time
While the French winger claimed the prestigious football award in late September, Neymar was receiving treatment for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously participating in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old football star eventually placed as runner-up, earning around seventy-three thousand pounds in tournament winnings.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to watch the player who once replaced him at Barcelona lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
Since returning to his youth team 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 football.
His homecoming after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, revive a love of football that seemed lost after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal.
Instead, it has been widely disappointing for all parties involved.
Such is the situation that the main question being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will be part of the upcoming global tournament.
He's facing a deadline.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are fit. The time is passing [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao commented in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician disclosed his team selection for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was absent.
"O Principe", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a reference to the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been missing from the national team for two years.
He also remains an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with only two exhibition games 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 undisputed star, shouldering massive pressure on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu stated.
"But no one wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our hopes on him at the moment is problematic because he finds it hard to even play three games in a row."
'If Neymar is left out for technical reasons, something isn't right'
Not just has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his return to Brazil - he's missed nearly half of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was available for selection, he was a far cry from the player who during his prime competed with Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's top flight - a goal and assist against a lower-league side, 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 number 10 no longer seems to be the difference maker he once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has sufficient months to show he is ready for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be ready in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in autumn, November or spring," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti created local discussion last month by reportedly trying to shield Neymar, stating the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was excluded for tactical decisions; it has no connection to my physical condition."
In terms of popular view, it definitely didn't help for Neymar.
"If the player we have invested our faith in to win the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, obviously something isn't right," Cafu observed.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Studies 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 all-time top scorer, but he hasn't helped his case much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems greater frustration than usual, having exchanged words with fans multiple times in venues - it happened in successive games in July.
The following month, the striker was reduced to crying after Santos endured a 6-0 loss at home by their rivals - the worst result of his career.
When questioned by a reporter about his physical state in a post-match interview, he became frustrated: "This topic again, mate? I've responded to this repeatedly already."
The identical inquiry has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for five months at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, amen," he previously explained, causing outrage among followers.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's prime period haven't ended and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to overcome criticism and injuries to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great notes comparisons.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent event with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an overstatement from a minority who believe he's ignoring his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football recognize fully how difficult it is to return from an injury and restore rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Santos star has a important timeframe ahead to show that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.
