Last Updated on July 27, 2026 by Bala Kumar
Viral Footage Sparks Backlash Against Neymar
Neymar Jr. is once again at the center of Neymar controversy, this time after footage surfaced showing the Brazilian superstar at the Neymar poker tournament instead of on the pitch with his Santos FC teammates. The images, taken during Santos’ Copa Sudamericana playoff clash against Venezuela’s Universidad Central, quickly went viral and reignited long-standing questions about the veteran forward’s commitment to football.
What Actually Happened
While Santos secured a commanding 4-1 victory away in Venezuela, Neymar was nowhere near the stadium. Instead, he was spotted competing in the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) Winter edition at a venue in São Paulo. It wasn’t his first rodeo at the event either, he had previously cashed for a significant sum at the same tournament the year before.
The timing couldn’t have been worse for optics. Santos had just returned from a grueling stretch following the FIFA World Cup 2026, where Neymar and Brazil suffered a heartbreaking exit as part of the ongoing Neymar 2026 storyline. With fans still processing that disappointment, seeing their star player at a card table rather than supporting his club abroad didn’t sit well with many supporters.
Neymar Responds to the Criticism
Facing mounting backlash online, Neymar addressed the situation directly in a video posted to social media. He explained that his absence from the Venezuela trip was part of an approved recovery plan following his return from international duty, and that he had completed a morning training session before heading to the poker event on his scheduled day off.
He didn’t hold back when addressing his Neymar critics, essentially telling them to stay out of his business and insisting that his poker outing had no bearing on his training regimen or Neymar fitness progress.
The Club’s Side of the Story
Santos boss Cuca also weighed in, clarifying that leaving Neymar out of the travel squad was a deliberate decision aimed at managing his workload. According to the manager, with a demanding schedule of four matches in ten days looming, there was little benefit to putting the forward through an exhausting trip. Instead, the plan was to let him build up his conditioning at home alongside a handful of other rested players.
A Pattern That Keeps Repeating
This isn’t the first time Neymar’s love of football and poker has overshadowed his career on the pitch. He’s previously been linked to marathon online poker sessions and has even played in the World Series of Poker main event. His connection to the game dates back over a decade, and he has held ambassador deals with major poker brands, once saying that when he’s not playing football, cards are his passion.
Still, each time the two worlds collide, especially during a stretch when his footballing form and commitment are already under the microscope, the reaction from fans and pundits tends to be swift and unforgiving.
What’s Next for Neymar
Having completed his recovery program, Neymar has now returned to full training under Cuca’s guidance. He’s expected to be available for Santos’ next domestic fixture, giving him a chance to shift the narrative back to what happens on the pitch rather than at the poker table.
FAQs
1. Why did Neymar miss Santos’ Copa Sudamericana match?
Neymar missed the match because Santos approved a recovery plan following his international duty with Brazil. The club decided to rest him instead of sending him on the trip to Venezuela.
2. Where was Neymar when Santos played Universidad Central?
Instead of traveling with Santos, Neymar participated in the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) Winter tournament in São Paulo during his scheduled day off.
3. How did Neymar respond to the criticism?
Neymar said his absence was part of an agreed recovery schedule, that he had already completed training earlier that day, and that attending the poker tournament did not affect his fitness or commitment to Santos.
4. What did Santos manager Cuca say about Neymar’s absence?
Cuca explained that the club intentionally rested Neymar to manage his workload during a busy schedule, allowing him to continue his conditioning at home rather than make a demanding trip.
5. Does Neymar have a history of playing poker?
Yes. Neymar has been involved in poker for many years, has competed in major tournaments such as the Brazilian Series of Poker and the World Series of Poker, and has previously served as an ambassador for leading poker brands.
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