Brazil's Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar Jr's World Cup Race Against Time
While the French winger claimed the prestigious football award in late September, Neymar was receiving treatment for his third injury of the year - simultaneously taking part in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old football star eventually placed as runner-up, earning around seventy-three thousand pounds in prize money.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona receive the award he had long hoped to win.
After returning to his boyhood club Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to 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, crucially, rekindle a passion for the game that seemed diminished after frustrating spells with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal.
Conversely, it has been widely disappointing for everyone concerned.
Such is the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will be part of the upcoming global tournament.
He's running out of time.
"All players have to demonstrate that they are prepared. The deadline approaches [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao wrote in his regular feature.
On midweek, Brazil manager the Italian tactician disclosed his team selection for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and Japan and, once again, Neymar was excluded.
"The Prince", as he was dubbed when received at Santos in a reference to the king Pele, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team for two years.
He continues to be an injury doubt for the November games, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two exhibition games in March 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the announcement of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's unquestioned talisman, carrying huge responsibility on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu said.
"But nobody wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our hopes on him at the present time is difficult because he has difficulty to even play three games in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not just has Neymar had repeated injury problems since his return to Brazil - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a far cry from the player who during his peak competed with Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns 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 three goal involvements versus another lower-division opponent, all in the regional competition.
As Santos battle against demotion in the Brazilian first tier, the number 10 no longer seems to be the difference maker he once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has plenty of time to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be ready in summer. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, late autumn or March," the coach told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti stirred local debate last month by reportedly trying to protect Neymar, suggesting the star had been excluded from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was left out for technical reasons; it has no connection to my fitness level."
In terms of public perception, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to deliver the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, clearly there's a problem," Cafu commented.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Research from a leading polling institute found that the Brazilian public are split over whether Neymar should be selected for his next global tournament.
With his 79 goals, 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 normal, having exchanged words with fans repeatedly in stadiums - it happened in three consecutive matches in mid-year.
The next month, the forward was reduced to crying 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 post-match interview, he showed irritation: "This topic again, friend? 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 spend a limited period at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar was able to feature, so be it," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among fans.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's prime period aren't over and that he will be able to revive his career the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to surmount skepticism and injuries to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend notes similarities.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent appearance with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an overstatement from a small group who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football understand completely how difficult it is to recover from an injury and recover rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Santos star has a critical period ahead to demonstrate that he's not the heir who abandoned the throne.
