Brazil's Unquestioned Star? Neymar Jr's World Cup Countdown Challenge
While Ousmane Dembele received the 2025 Ballon d'Or in late September, Neymar was receiving treatment for his third injury of the year - simultaneously taking part in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace ultimately finished as runner-up, collecting around £73,800 in prize money.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to witness the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona claim the award he had long hoped to win.
Since returning to his youth team Santos in January, the experienced attacker has failed to live up to expectations, attracting more attention for comparable situations than for his on-field performances.
His return home after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to return to peak condition and, most importantly, restore a love of football that seemed gone after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal.
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 participate in the 2026 World Cup.
He's running out of time.
"All players have to prove that they are fit. The time is passing [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao commented in his regular feature.
On midweek, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed his team selection for the upcoming games against South Korea and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was not in it.
"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when received 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 most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with just a pair of exhibition games in spring 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, carrying massive pressure on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu remarked.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Placing all our expectations on him at the present time is difficult because he has difficulty to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not only has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his homecoming - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was able to play, he was a different to the player who during his zenith competed with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five have come against teams from lower tiers than 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 difference maker he once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has sufficient months to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His aim must be to be prepared in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in autumn, November or spring," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti stirred local discussion last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, claiming the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was left out for tactical decisions; it has no connection to my fitness level."
In terms of popular view, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to win the World Cup is left out for performance issues, clearly issues exist," Cafu said.
Is a Ronaldo-style comeback possible for Neymar?
Studies from Datafolha found that Brazilians 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 helped his case much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems greater frustration than usual, having exchanged words with fans on several occasions in venues - it happened in successive games in mid-year.
The next month, the forward was left in tears after Santos endured a six-goal home defeat by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his professional life.
When asked by a journalist about his physical state in a post-match interview, he became frustrated: "This topic again, friend? I've responded to 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 five months at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar was able to feature, so be it," he previously explained, causing outrage among supporters.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's prime period haven't ended and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way forward Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to surmount doubt and injuries to lead Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend notes comparisons.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent event with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an misrepresentation from a small group who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.
Anyone who have been in football recognize fully how hard it is to return from an setback and restore rhythm and confidence. He's progressing well."
The Santos star has a critical period ahead to prove that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.