Brazil's Undisputed Superstar? Neymar Jr's World Cup Countdown Challenge
While the French winger was crowned the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, Neymar was receiving treatment for his latest physical setback of the year - while participating in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old football star ultimately finished as runner-up, collecting around £73,800 in prize money.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to witness the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona receive the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After coming back to his boyhood club Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for comparable situations than for his football.
His homecoming after a dozen campaigns away was intended as a chance for him to rediscover his best and, crucially, revive a love of football that seemed gone after frustrating spells with PSG and Al Hilal.
Conversely, it has been largely underwhelming for each stakeholder.
This reflects the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will be part of the upcoming global tournament.
He's running out of time.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are fit. The clock is ticking [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao commented in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician disclosed his squad for the upcoming games against South Korea and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was not in it.
"The Prince", as he was dubbed when received at Santos in a reference to the legend Pelé, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been absent from the Selecao for 24 months.
He continues to be an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with only two friendly matches in spring 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, bearing huge responsibility on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu said.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Placing all our expectations on him at the moment is problematic because he finds it hard to even play three games in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not only has Neymar had repeated injury problems since his homecoming - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a far cry from the player who during his peak dared to challenge the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's top flight - a scoring contribution against Agua Santa, followed by a goal and two assists 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 once was.
Despite that, 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 summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in autumn, November or March," the coach told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti created local debate last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, suggesting the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was excluded for tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my physical condition."
In terms of fan opinion, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to deliver the World Cup is left out for performance issues, obviously something isn't right," Cafu said.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Studies from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be included for his fourth World Cup.
With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems more on edge than usual, having argued with fans repeatedly in venues - it occurred in three consecutive matches in mid-year.
The following month, the forward was left in tears after Santos suffered a 6-0 home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his professional life.
When questioned 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 posed to his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's intention was to remain for a limited period at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing displeasure among fans.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's prime period remain possible and that he will be able to revive his career the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in the 2002 World Cup to surmount skepticism and injuries to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend sees comparisons.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an misrepresentation from a minority who believe he's ignoring his fitness rehabilitation.
Those who have been in football knows perfectly how challenging it is to return from an injury and recover rhythm and confidence. He's moving forward."
The Santos star has a few decisive months ahead to prove that he's not the prince who abandoned the throne.
