The Brazilian Undisputed Star? Neymar Jr's World Cup Countdown Challenge
As Ousmane Dembele received the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, Neymar was undergoing therapy for his third injury of the year - while taking part in an online poker tournament.
The veteran football star ultimately finished as second place, earning around £73,800 in prize money.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to observe the player who once replaced him at Barcelona receive the award he had long hoped to win.
Since returning to his boyhood club Santos in January, the experienced attacker has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for episodes like this than for his on-field performances.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, restore a passion for the game that seemed diminished after disappointing periods with PSG and Al Hilal.
Conversely, it has been widely disappointing for each stakeholder.
This reflects the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will be part of the 2026 World Cup.
He's running out of time.
"All players have to demonstrate that they are ready. The time is passing [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao wrote in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil manager the Italian tactician revealed his team selection for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and the Asian nation and, yet again, Neymar was excluded.
"O Principe", as he was dubbed when received at Santos in a nod toward the legend Pelé, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for 24 months.
He also remains an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with just a pair of exhibition games in spring 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the announcement of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, carrying massive pressure on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu remarked.
"But no one wins the World Cup alone. Placing all our hopes on him at the moment is challenging 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 repeated injury problems since his homecoming - he's missed nearly half of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was able to play, he was a different to the player who during his peak competed with the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, five have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's first division - a goal and assist against Agua Santa, followed by a three goal involvements versus another lower-division opponent, 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 decisive factor he previously represented.
Despite that, 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 summer. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, late autumn or spring," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti caused local debate last month by reportedly trying to protect Neymar, claiming the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was left out for tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my physical condition."
In terms of public perception, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to deliver the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, evidently something isn't right," Cafu observed.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Research from a leading polling institute found that the Brazilian public are divided over whether Neymar should be selected for his fourth World Cup.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems more on edge than usual, having argued with fans on several occasions in stadiums - it happened in three consecutive matches in mid-year.
The next month, the striker was left in tears after Santos suffered a 6-0 loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his career.
When asked by a reporter about his fitness condition in a post-match interview, he showed irritation: "Again with this, mate? I've responded to this countless times already."
The similar query has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to spend a limited period at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, so be it," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among supporters.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's best days remain possible and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to overcome doubt and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great sees comparisons.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's disregarding his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football knows perfectly how difficult it is to return from an injury and recover rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to prove that he's not the heir who relinquished his status.
