The Brazilian Undisputed Superstar? Neymar Jr's World Cup Countdown Challenge
While Ousmane Dembele was crowned the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, the Brazilian sensation was receiving treatment for his third injury of the year - simultaneously participating in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old football star eventually placed as second place, earning around £73,800 in prize money.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to watch the player who once replaced him at Barcelona claim the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
Since returning to his boyhood club 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 12 seasons away was meant to be a chance for him to rediscover his best and, crucially, restore a passion for the game that seemed diminished after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been widely disappointing for everyone concerned.
Such is the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will participate in the 2026 World Cup.
He's facing a deadline.
"All players have to prove that they are ready. The deadline approaches [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao commented in his newspaper column.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his team selection for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was absent.
"The Prince", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for 24 months.
He continues to be an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with just a pair of exhibition games in March 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the revealing of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, shouldering huge responsibility on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu said.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Placing all our expectations on him at the present time is difficult because he struggles to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns since his homecoming - he's been absent for 47% of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was able to play, he was a different to the player who during his peak competed with Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, five have come against teams from lower tiers than 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 battle against demotion in the Brazilian first tier, the number 10 no longer seems to be the difference maker he previously represented.
Despite that, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has sufficient months to show he is ready for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be prepared in June. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, November or March," the coach told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti stirred local discussion last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, stating the star had been excluded from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself challenged the claim, saying he "was left out 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 pinned our dreams on to win the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, obviously something isn't right," Cafu observed.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Research from Datafolha found that the Brazilian public are divided over whether Neymar should be called up for his fourth World Cup.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his conduct during matches either.
He seems increased agitation than normal, having exchanged words with fans on several occasions in venues - it happened in successive games in mid-year.
The next month, the forward was emotional after Santos endured a six-goal loss at home by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his professional life.
When questioned by a journalist about his fitness condition in a post-match interview, he showed irritation: "Again with this, friend? I've responded to this repeatedly already."
The identical inquiry has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for five months at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he previously explained, causing anger among fans.
There's still a slight hope, however, that Neymar's peak years remain possible and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to surmount skepticism and injuries to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend notes similarities.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an misrepresentation from a small group who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football recognize fully how hard it is to return from an injury and recover form and self-belief. He's right on track."
The Santos star has a few decisive months ahead to prove that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.