Brazil's Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
While the French winger was crowned the prestigious football award in late September, Neymar was lying in bed for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously taking part in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old football star eventually placed as runner-up, collecting around £73,800 in prize money.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona claim the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After coming back to his youth team Santos in January, the experienced attacker has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for similar incidents than for his football.
His return home after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to return to peak condition and, most importantly, rekindle a love of football that seemed diminished after frustrating spells with PSG and Al Hilal.
Conversely, it has been generally unsatisfactory for everyone concerned.
Such is the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will participate in the upcoming global tournament.
He's against the clock.
"Even the stars have to demonstrate that they are prepared. The clock is ticking [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao wrote in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed his squad for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and Japan and, once again, Neymar was not in it.
"The Prince", as he was nicknamed when received at Santos in a reference to the legend Pelé, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team for 24 months.
He continues to be an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, 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.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, bearing enormous expectations on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu remarked.
"But nobody wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our hopes on him at the present time is problematic because he has difficulty to even play three games in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns since his homecoming - he's missed nearly half of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a distant from the player who during his zenith competed with the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's first division - a goal and assist against a lower-league side, followed by a goal and two assists versus another lower-division opponent, all in the regional competition.
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 maintained that the forward has sufficient months to show he is ready for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be prepared in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in October, November or spring," the coach told French media.
Ancelotti caused local discussion last month by allegedly attempting 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 excluded for tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my fitness level."
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 deliver the World Cup is excluded for performance issues, evidently there's a problem," Cafu said.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Research from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be selected 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 behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems greater frustration than normal, having exchanged words with fans multiple times in stadiums - it occurred in three consecutive matches in mid-year.
The following month, the striker was reduced to crying after Santos endured a six-goal loss at home by their rivals - the worst result of his career.
When questioned by a reporter about his physical state in a game aftermath discussion, he showed irritation: "This topic again, mate? I've responded to this repeatedly already."
The identical inquiry has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's intention was to remain for five months at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, amen," he previously explained, causing anger among supporters.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's best days haven't ended and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way forward Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in the 2002 World Cup to overcome skepticism and injuries to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great sees similarities.
"He's a crucial player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent event with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's disregarding his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football recognize fully how challenging it is to return from an injury and restore form and self-belief. He's progressing well."
The Brazilian forward has a critical period ahead to demonstrate that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.
