Brazil's Undisputed Star? Neymar's World Cup Race Against Time
As the French winger received the prestigious football award in late September, the Brazilian sensation was undergoing therapy for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously engaging in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old football star ultimately finished as second place, securing around £73,800 in tournament winnings.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to watch the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona receive the award he had long hoped to win.
After coming back to his youth team Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, attracting more attention for episodes like this than for his football.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to regain his form and, most importantly, revive a passion for the game that seemed lost after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal.
Conversely, it has been generally unsatisfactory for each stakeholder.
This reflects the situation that the primary concern 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 demonstrate that they are fit. The deadline approaches [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao wrote in his regular feature.
On midweek, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed his team selection for the upcoming games against South Korea and the Asian nation and, yet again, Neymar was absent.
"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team for two years.
He also remains an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with only two exhibition games in March 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the revealing of the final list for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's unquestioned talisman, carrying massive pressure on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu said.
"But no one wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our hopes on him at the present time is challenging because he has difficulty to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not just has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his return to Brazil - he's missed nearly half of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was able to play, he was a distant from the player who during his zenith competed with the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his several attacking returns so far, half have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's first division - a goal and assist against a lower-league side, followed by a goal and two assists versus Inter de Limeira, all in the regional competition.
As Santos fight relegation in the top division, the number 10 no longer seems to be the decisive factor he once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has plenty of time to show he is ready for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be ready in June. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in autumn, November or spring," the coach told French media.
Ancelotti caused local debate last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, claiming the star had been omitted from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was excluded for technical reasons; it has no connection to my physical condition."
In terms of public perception, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have invested our faith in to deliver the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, obviously issues exist," Cafu said.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Research from Datafolha found that Brazilians 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 helped his case much with his conduct during matches either.
He seems more on edge than usual, having exchanged words with fans repeatedly in venues - it happened in successive games in mid-year.
The following month, the striker was reduced to crying after Santos endured a six-goal loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his career.
When asked by a reporter about his physical state in a post-match interview, he became frustrated: "This topic again, friend? I've responded to this countless times already."
The same kind of question has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to remain for five months at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he previously explained, causing displeasure among fans.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's prime period aren't over and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to overcome criticism and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend sees parallels.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo stated during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an overstatement from a small group who believe he's disregarding his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football knows perfectly how hard it is to recover from an injury and restore form and self-belief. He's right on track."
The Santos star has a important timeframe ahead to prove that he's not the heir who relinquished his status.
