The Brazilian Undisputed Star? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge

As the French winger was crowned the prestigious football award in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his third injury of the year - while taking part in an online poker tournament.

The 33-year-old Brazilian ace ultimately finished as runner-up, securing around £73,800 in prize money.

It was partial comfort on a day when he had to witness the player who once replaced him at Barcelona receive the award he had long hoped to win.

After returning to his youth team Santos in the new year, the experienced attacker has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for episodes like this than for his on-field performances.

His homecoming after a dozen campaigns away was meant to be a chance for him to rediscover his best and, crucially, rekindle a passion for the game that seemed diminished after frustrating spells with PSG and Al Hilal.

Conversely, it has been largely underwhelming for everyone concerned.

This reflects the situation that the main question being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will participate in the 2026 World Cup.

He's running out of time.

On Wednesday, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician disclosed his team selection for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was not in it.

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

He continues to be an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two friendly matches in spring 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the revealing 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 has difficulty to even play multiple matches in a row."

Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns since his return to Brazil - he's missed 47% of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was able to play, he was a different to the player who during his zenith dared to challenge the Argentine maestro and the Portuguese icon.

Of his several attacking returns so far, half have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's first division - a scoring contribution against Agua Santa, followed by a goal and two assists versus Inter de Limeira, 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 insisted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is prepared for the World Cup.

Ancelotti caused local discussion last month by reportedly trying to protect Neymar, stating 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 fitness level."

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

Studies from Datafolha found that the Brazilian public are split 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 improved his situation much with his behaviour on the pitch either.

He seems increased agitation than normal, having exchanged words with fans repeatedly in venues - it happened in successive games in mid-year.

The following month, the forward was left in tears after Santos suffered a six-goal home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the worst result of his professional life.

When questioned by a journalist about his physical state in a post-match interview, he showed irritation: "This topic again, friend? I've responded to this countless times already."

The identical inquiry has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.

"Neymar's intention was to spend five months at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he earlier stated, causing outrage among fans.

There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's best days haven't ended and that he will be able to revive his career the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to surmount criticism and injuries to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.

The Brazilian great sees similarities.

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

Anyone who have been in football recognize fully how challenging it is to return from an injury and regain form and self-belief. He's right on track."

The Santos star has a important timeframe ahead to show that he's not the heir who relinquished his status.