The Brazilian Undisputed Star? Neymar's Global Tournament Race Against Time
As the French winger was crowned the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was receiving treatment for his third injury of the year - while taking part in an virtual card tournament.
The veteran football star ultimately finished as second place, securing around £73,800 in prize money.
It was limited solace on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona receive the award he had long hoped to win.
Since coming back to his boyhood club Santos in the new year, the experienced attacker has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for episodes like this than for his on-field performances.
His return home after 12 seasons away was meant to be a chance for him to rediscover his best and, crucially, revive a passion for the game that seemed gone after frustrating spells with PSG and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been largely underwhelming for each stakeholder.
Such is the situation that the main question being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will be part of the upcoming global tournament.
He's against the clock.
"Even the stars have to prove that they are fit. The time is passing [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao stated in his regular feature.
On midweek, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician disclosed his squad for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was not in it.
"The Prince", as he was dubbed when received at Santos in a reference to the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been missing from the national team for two years.
He also remains an injury doubt for the November games, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with just a pair of friendly matches in March 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the revealing of the final list for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, shouldering huge responsibility on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu said.
"But no one wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our expectations on him at the present time is challenging because he finds it hard 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 multiple fitness issues since his return to Brazil - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this season - 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 several attacking returns so far, half have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's first division - a scoring contribution against Agua Santa, followed by a three goal involvements 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 decisive factor he once was.
Despite that, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has plenty of time 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 spring," the coach told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti stirred local debate last month by reportedly trying to shield Neymar, suggesting the star had been omitted 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 certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to deliver the World Cup is left out for performance issues, obviously issues exist," Cafu commented.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Polls from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be included for his next global tournament.
With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't helped his case much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems more on edge than usual, having argued with fans on several occasions in stadiums - it occurred in successive games in mid-year.
The following month, the forward was emotional after Santos suffered a six-goal home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his professional life.
When asked by a reporter about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he showed irritation: "Again with this, friend? I've answered this 500 times already."
The identical inquiry has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to remain for a limited period at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among supporters.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's peak years haven't ended and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to overcome skepticism and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great sees comparisons.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent appearance with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an misrepresentation from a minority who believe he's ignoring his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football understand completely how difficult it is to come back from an injury and recover rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Santos star has a critical period ahead to prove that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.