Brazil's Undisputed Star? Neymar's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge

While the French winger was crowned the prestigious football award in the autumn months, Neymar was lying in bed for his latest physical setback of the year - while taking part in an virtual card tournament.

The 33-year-old football star 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 claim the award he had consistently dreamed to win.

Since coming back to his boyhood club Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, drawing more attention for episodes like this than for his football.

His return home after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to return to peak condition and, most importantly, revive a passion for the game that seemed gone after frustrating spells with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal.

Conversely, it has been generally unsatisfactory for each stakeholder.

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 running out of time.

On midweek, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician revealed his team selection for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was excluded.

"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when received at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team for two years.

He continues to be an fitness concern for the November games, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with just a pair of friendly matches in March 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the announcement of the final list for the World Cup.

"But nobody wins the World Cup alone. Placing all our expectations on him at the present time is challenging because he struggles to even play three games in a row."

Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns since his homecoming - he's missed 47% of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was able to play, he was a distant from the player who during his prime rivaled Lionel Messi and the Portuguese icon.

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 Agua Santa, followed by a goal and two assists versus another lower-division opponent, all in the regional competition.

As Santos fight relegation in the Brazilian first tier, the number 10 no longer seems to be the game-changer he previously represented.

Despite that, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has plenty of time to show he is fit for the World Cup.

Ancelotti created local discussion last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, stating the star had been excluded from the team over physical condition issues.

But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was excluded for technical reasons; it has nothing to do with my physical condition."

In terms of popular view, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.

Polls from Datafolha found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be included for his next global tournament.

With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't helped his case much with his behaviour on the pitch either.

He seems increased agitation than normal, having argued with fans repeatedly in stadiums - it occurred in successive games in mid-year.

The following month, the striker was left in tears after Santos suffered a 6-0 loss at home by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his career.

When asked by a reporter 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 father and agent Neymar Sr as well.

"Neymar's plan was to remain for a limited period at Santos. To what end? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among followers.

There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's best days haven't ended and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in the 2002 World Cup to surmount criticism and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.

The Brazilian great observes comparisons.

"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's disregarding his fitness rehabilitation.

Anyone who have been in football understand completely how hard it is to come back from an injury and regain form and self-belief. He's moving forward."

The Brazilian forward has a critical period ahead to prove that he's not the heir who relinquished his status.