The Brazilian Undisputed Superstar? Neymar's World Cup Race Against Time
As Ousmane Dembele claimed the prestigious football award in the autumn months, Neymar was undergoing therapy for his third injury of the year - while participating in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace eventually placed as runner-up, securing around £73,800 in tournament winnings.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to watch the player who once replaced him at Barcelona lift the award he had long hoped to win.
After coming back to his boyhood club Santos in the new year, the experienced attacker has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for similar incidents than for his on-field performances.
His homecoming after 12 seasons 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 PSG and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been largely underwhelming 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 2026 World Cup.
He's against the clock.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are fit. The clock is ticking [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao stated in his newspaper column.
On Wednesday, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed his team selection for the upcoming games against South Korea and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was not in it.
"The Prince", as he was dubbed when received at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team for 24 months.
He continues to be an fitness concern for the November games, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with just a pair of exhibition games in March 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the revealing of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, shouldering massive pressure on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu said.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Placing all our expectations on him at the moment is difficult because he struggles to even play multiple matches in a row."
'If Neymar is left out for technical reasons, something isn't right'
Not only has Neymar had repeated injury problems since his homecoming - he's been absent for 47% of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was available for selection, he was a different to the player who during his prime competed with the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, half have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's first division - a goal and assist against Agua Santa, followed by a goal and two assists versus Inter de Limeira, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.
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 asserted that the forward has sufficient months to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be prepared in June. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in October, late autumn or spring," the coach told French media.
Ancelotti stirred local discussion 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 contradicted this, saying he "was excluded for technical reasons; it has no connection to my physical condition."
In terms of fan opinion, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have invested our faith in to win the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, evidently there's a problem," Cafu said.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Research from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be selected for his next global tournament.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems increased agitation than normal, having exchanged words with fans repeatedly in stadiums - it occurred in three consecutive matches in mid-year.
The following month, the striker was left in tears after Santos suffered a six-goal loss at home by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his professional life.
When asked by a reporter about his physical state in a post-match interview, he also lost his patience: "This topic again, friend? I've responded to this countless times already."
The same kind of question has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's intention was to spend a limited period at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he previously explained, causing anger among supporters.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's best days remain possible and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to overcome skepticism and injuries to lead Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend sees parallels.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo stated during a recent appearance with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an misrepresentation from a small group who believe he's neglecting his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football knows perfectly how difficult it is to recover from an injury and regain rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Santos star has a critical period ahead to show that he's not the heir who stepped away from greatness.
