Brazil's Undisputed Star? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Race Against Time
While the French winger was crowned the prestigious football award in late September, Neymar was lying in bed for his third injury of the year - while participating in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace eventually placed as runner-up, earning around £73,800 in prize money.
It was limited solace on a day when he had to watch the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
Since returning to his boyhood club Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for episodes like this than for his football.
His homecoming after a dozen campaigns away was intended as a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, revive a love of football that seemed lost after frustrating spells with PSG and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been generally unsatisfactory for all parties involved.
Such is the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will be part of the 2026 World Cup.
He's running out of time.
"Even the stars have to demonstrate that they are ready. The clock is ticking [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao wrote 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 absent.
"The Prince", 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 Selecao for 24 months.
He continues to be an fitness concern for the November games, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two exhibition games in spring 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the announcement of the final list for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's unquestioned talisman, shouldering huge responsibility on his own," former AC Milan and Roma legend Cafu said.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Placing all our hopes on him at the present time is difficult because he has difficulty to even play three games in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not just has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his homecoming - he's been absent for 47% of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was able to play, he was a distant from the player who during his peak competed with the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half 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 another lower-division opponent, 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 game-changer he once was.
Despite that, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has sufficient months to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His goal must be to be ready in June. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, late autumn or March," the coach told French media.
Ancelotti stirred local controversy last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, claiming the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was left out for tactical decisions; it has no connection to my physical condition."
In terms of public perception, 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 technical reasons, clearly issues exist," Cafu observed.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Research from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be called up for his next global tournament.
With his record tally, 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 normal, having confronted fans repeatedly in venues - it happened in successive games in mid-year.
The next month, the forward was emotional after Santos endured a 6-0 home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the worst result of his career.
When asked by a reporter about his physical state in a game aftermath discussion, he became frustrated: "This topic again, mate? I've answered this countless times already."
The same kind of question has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to remain for a limited period at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing displeasure among supporters.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's best days aren't over and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to surmount criticism and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend notes similarities.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent appearance with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an misrepresentation from a minority who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football recognize fully how hard it is to come back from an setback and recover rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well."
The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to prove that he's not the prince who abandoned the throne.