Brazil's Unquestioned Star? Neymar Jr's World Cup Race Against Time
While Ousmane Dembele received the prestigious football award in late September, the Brazilian sensation was receiving treatment for his latest physical setback of the year - while participating in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old football star eventually placed as runner-up, collecting around £73,800 in tournament winnings.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After coming back to his youth team Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for episodes like this than for his on-field performances.
His homecoming after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, revive a passion for the game that seemed gone after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been generally unsatisfactory for everyone concerned.
This reflects the situation that the main question being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will make it to the 2026 World Cup.
He's against the clock.
"All players have to prove that they are prepared. The time is passing [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao wrote in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician revealed his team selection for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and Japan and, once again, Neymar was absent.
"O Principe", as he was dubbed when received at Santos in a reference to the legend Pelé, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team for 24 months.
He continues to be an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two friendly matches in spring 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the announcement of the final list for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, bearing enormous expectations on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu stated.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the moment is problematic because he has difficulty to even play multiple matches 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 been absent for 47% of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a distant from the player who during his prime competed with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's first division - a goal and assist against Agua Santa, followed by a goal and two assists versus Inter de Limeira, all in the regional competition.
As Santos battle against demotion in the top division, the number 10 no longer seems to be the game-changer he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has plenty of time to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be ready in summer. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in autumn, late autumn or March," the coach told French media.
Ancelotti created local debate last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, stating the star had been omitted from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself disputed it, 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 placed all our hopes on to win the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, evidently issues exist," Cafu observed.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Research from Datafolha found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be selected for his fourth World Cup.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems increased agitation than usual, having argued with fans multiple times in stadiums - it happened in three consecutive matches in July.
The next month, the forward was reduced to crying after Santos suffered a six-goal home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the heaviest defeat of his career.
When questioned by a reporter about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he also lost his patience: "This topic again, mate? I've responded to this repeatedly already."
The similar query has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to remain for five months at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar was able to feature, amen," he previously explained, causing displeasure among followers.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's peak years remain possible and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome doubt and injuries to lead Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend sees comparisons.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent event with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.
Anyone who have been in football understand completely how hard it is to recover from an injury and recover rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a critical period ahead to prove that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.
