The Brazilian Unquestioned Star? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
While Ousmane Dembele claimed the prestigious football award in late September, Neymar was lying in bed for his latest physical setback of the year - while participating in an virtual card tournament.
The 33-year-old football star eventually placed as second place, securing around £73,800 in prize money.
It was partial comfort on a day when he had to witness the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona receive the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After returning to his youth team Santos in the new year, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for comparable situations than for his on-field performances.
His return home after 12 seasons away was meant to be a chance for him to return to peak condition and, crucially, revive a love of football that seemed gone after disappointing periods with PSG and Al Hilal.
Conversely, it has been widely disappointing for everyone concerned.
Such is the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will be part of the upcoming global tournament.
He's running out of time.
"All players have to demonstrate that they are fit. The clock is ticking [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao wrote in his regular feature.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician announced his squad for the upcoming games against Korea Republic and Japan and, once again, Neymar was absent.
"O Principe", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the legend Pelé, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for two years.
He also remains an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the most pessimistic outlook, will leave him with only two exhibition games in March 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the announcement of the final list for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, carrying enormous expectations on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu said.
"But nobody wins the World Cup alone. Putting all our hopes on him at the moment is challenging 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 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 competed with Lionel Messi 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 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 difference maker he previously represented.
Despite that, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be ready in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in autumn, late autumn or March," the Italian told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti caused local controversy last month by allegedly attempting to shield Neymar, stating the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was left out for technical reasons; it has no connection to my physical condition."
In terms of popular view, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to win the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, obviously issues exist," Cafu observed.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Research from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be called up for his fourth World Cup.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't helped his case much with his conduct during matches either.
He seems increased agitation than normal, having argued with fans on several occasions in venues - it happened in successive games in July.
The next month, the forward was reduced to crying after Santos suffered a six-goal home defeat by their rivals - the heaviest defeat of his professional life.
When questioned by a reporter about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he became frustrated: "This topic again, mate? I've responded to this 500 times already."
The same kind of question has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's intention was to remain for five months at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, so be it," he previously explained, causing anger among followers.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's prime period remain possible and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way striker Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to surmount doubt and injuries to lead Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great notes similarities.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo declared during a recent event with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's disregarding his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football knows perfectly how hard it is to return from an injury and regain form and self-belief. He's moving forward."
The Santos star has a critical period ahead to prove that he's not the prince who abandoned the throne.