The Brazilian Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
As the French winger was crowned the prestigious football award in the autumn months, Neymar was lying in bed for his latest physical setback of the year - while participating in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old football star eventually placed as runner-up, securing 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 consistently dreamed to win.
Since returning to his youth team Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for episodes like this than for his football.
His return home after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to rediscover his best and, crucially, restore a passion for the game that seemed lost after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal.
Instead, it has been largely underwhelming for all parties involved.
This reflects the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will be part of the 2026 World Cup.
He's facing a deadline.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are fit. The deadline approaches [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao wrote in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti disclosed his team selection for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and the Asian nation and, yet again, Neymar was excluded.
"O Principe", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the legend Pelé, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been missing from the national team for 24 months.
He continues to be an fitness concern for the November games, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with just a pair of friendly matches in March 2026 to demonstrate his worth 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, shouldering huge responsibility on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu said.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our hopes on him at the present time is difficult because he has difficulty to even play three games in a row."
'If Neymar is left out for technical reasons, something isn't right'
Not only 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 different to the player who during his prime rivaled the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's first division - a goal and assist against a lower-league side, followed by a three goal involvements 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 game-changer he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has sufficient months to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be prepared in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in October, November or spring," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti created local debate last month by reportedly trying to shield Neymar, stating the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was left out for technical reasons; it has nothing to do with my fitness level."
In terms of popular view, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to win the World Cup is excluded for performance issues, clearly there's a problem," Cafu said.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Research from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be called up for his next global tournament.
With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his conduct during matches either.
He seems greater frustration than usual, having confronted fans multiple times in venues - it occurred in successive games in mid-year.
The next month, the forward was emotional after Santos endured a six-goal home defeat by their rivals - the biggest loss of his professional life.
When asked by a journalist about his physical state in a post-match interview, he showed irritation: "This topic again, friend? I've responded to this repeatedly already."
The same kind of question has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for a limited period at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, so be it," he previously explained, causing anger among fans.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's best days haven't ended and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to overcome doubt and injuries to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend sees comparisons.
"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 exaggeration from a small group who believe he's disregarding his fitness rehabilitation.
Those who have been in football understand completely how hard it is to return from an injury and recover rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Brazilian forward has a important timeframe ahead to prove that he's not the heir who abandoned the throne.
