While Ousmane Dembele was crowned 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 eventually placed as runner-up, earning 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 claim the award he had long hoped to win.
After returning to his boyhood club 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 return home after a dozen campaigns away was intended as a chance for him to return to peak condition and, crucially, rekindle a love of football that seemed lost after frustrating spells with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
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 make it to the upcoming global tournament.
He's against the clock.
"Even the stars have to demonstrate that they are prepared. The deadline approaches [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao commented in his regular feature.
On midweek, Brazil manager the Italian tactician revealed his squad for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and the Asian nation 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 two years.
He also remains an injury doubt for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with just a pair of exhibition games in spring 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the revealing of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's undisputed star, bearing huge responsibility on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu said.
"But nobody wins the World Cup alone. Placing all our hopes on him at the present time is difficult because he has difficulty to even play three games in a row."
Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns since his homecoming - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was available for selection, he was a distant from the player who during his zenith dared to challenge 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 goal and two assists versus Inter de Limeira, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.
As Santos battle against demotion in the Brazilian first tier, the playmaker no longer seems to be the difference maker he previously represented.
Despite that, Ancelotti has maintained that the forward has plenty of time to show he is fit for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be ready in June. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in October, November or March," the coach told French media.
Ancelotti created local discussion last month by reportedly trying to protect Neymar, suggesting the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was excluded for technical reasons; it has no connection to my fitness level."
In terms of public perception, it definitely didn't help for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to deliver the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, clearly issues exist," Cafu observed.
Research from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are split over whether Neymar should be selected for his next global tournament.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't helped his case much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems increased agitation than normal, having exchanged words with fans repeatedly in venues - it occurred in successive games in mid-year.
The next month, the striker was left in tears after Santos suffered a six-goal home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the heaviest defeat of his professional life.
When questioned by a journalist about his fitness condition in a post-match interview, he showed irritation: "This topic again, mate? I've responded to this countless times already."
The similar query has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to spend five months at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he previously explained, causing outrage among supporters.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's peak years haven't ended and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in the 2002 World Cup to surmount doubt and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the World Cup title.
The Brazilian great observes similarities.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent appearance with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an exaggeration from a minority who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.
Anyone who have been in football understand completely how challenging it is to come back from an setback and restore rhythm and confidence. He's moving forward."
The Brazilian forward has a few decisive months ahead to demonstrate that he's not the heir who stepped away from greatness.
