Brazil's Undisputed Star? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Race Against Time
While the French winger received the prestigious football award in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was receiving treatment for his third injury of the year - simultaneously taking part in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace ultimately finished as runner-up, earning around seventy-three thousand pounds in prize money.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to observe the player who once replaced him at Barcelona lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After returning to his youth team Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for comparable situations than for his football.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was intended as a chance for him to return to peak condition and, most importantly, restore a love of football that seemed lost after frustrating spells with PSG and Al Hilal.
Instead, it has been widely disappointing for all parties involved.
Such is the situation that the main question being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will participate in the upcoming global tournament.
He's against the clock.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are ready. The deadline approaches [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao wrote in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed his squad for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and the Asian nation 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 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 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 clear standout, shouldering massive pressure on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu stated.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Placing all our hopes on him at the present time is difficult because he struggles to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not just has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his homecoming - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was able to play, he was a far cry from the player who during his prime rivaled Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his several attacking returns 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 regional competition.
As Santos battle against demotion in the top division, 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 goal must be to be ready in summer. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, late autumn or spring," the coach told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti stirred local debate last month by reportedly trying to protect Neymar, stating the star had been excluded from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was excluded for tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my fitness level."
In terms of fan opinion, it definitely didn't help for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to deliver the World Cup is excluded for performance issues, clearly something isn't right," Cafu commented.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Polls from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be called up for his fourth World Cup.
With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't helped his case much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems greater frustration than usual, having argued with fans repeatedly in venues - it occurred in successive games in July.
The following month, the striker was left in tears after Santos endured a 6-0 home defeat by their rivals - the worst result of his professional life.
When questioned by a journalist about his physical state in a post-match interview, he also lost his patience: "This topic again, friend? I've answered this countless times already."
The similar query has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for a limited period at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he earlier stated, causing outrage among supporters.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's prime period aren't over and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to overcome criticism and injuries to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great observes comparisons.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an misrepresentation from a small group who believe he's disregarding his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football recognize fully how difficult it is to return from an injury and regain rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well."
The Santos star has a critical period ahead to prove that he's not the prince who stepped away from greatness.
