Brazil's Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar Jr's World Cup Countdown Challenge
As Ousmane Dembele was crowned the prestigious football award in late September, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his latest physical setback of the year - while engaging in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old football star eventually placed as second place, securing around £73,800 in prize money.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to watch the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona receive the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
Since coming back to his boyhood club Santos in the new year, the experienced attacker has failed to live up to expectations, attracting more attention for similar incidents than for his on-field performances.
His return home after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to return to peak condition and, most importantly, rekindle a love of football that seemed diminished after frustrating spells with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been generally unsatisfactory for each stakeholder.
This reflects the situation that the main question being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will make it to the upcoming global tournament.
He's running out of time.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are fit. The clock is ticking [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao wrote in his newspaper column.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti disclosed his team selection for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and the Asian nation and, yet again, Neymar was not in it.
"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when received at Santos in a nod toward the legend Pelé, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for two years.
He also remains an injury doubt 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 revealing of the final list for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, carrying enormous expectations on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu stated.
"But no one wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our expectations on him at the present time is problematic because he has difficulty to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns since his return to Brazil - he's missed 47% of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a different to the player who during his peak rivaled Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, five have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's top flight - a scoring contribution against a lower-league side, followed by a goal and two assists versus Inter de Limeira, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.
As Santos battle against demotion in the Brazilian first tier, the playmaker no longer seems to be the difference maker he once was.
Despite that, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has sufficient months to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be prepared in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in October, late autumn or spring," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti created local controversy last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, stating the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was left out for technical reasons; it has nothing to do with my fitness level."
In terms of public perception, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.
"If the player we have invested our faith in to win the World Cup is left out for performance issues, obviously issues exist," Cafu observed.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Polls from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be called up 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 conduct during matches either.
He seems more on edge than usual, having exchanged words with fans repeatedly in stadiums - it occurred in three consecutive matches in July.
The following month, the forward was left in tears after Santos endured a 6-0 loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his professional life.
When asked by a journalist about his fitness condition in a post-match interview, he showed irritation: "Again with this, friend? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The identical inquiry has been posed to his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's intention was to spend a limited period at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, so be it," he previously explained, causing anger among supporters.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's best days aren't over and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to surmount doubt and injuries to lead Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend observes similarities.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent event with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an overstatement from a minority who believe he's disregarding his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football knows perfectly how challenging it is to come back from an setback and regain rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a important timeframe ahead to demonstrate that he's not the heir who abandoned the throne.
