Poker Instead of Duty: New Stir Around Neymar

Brazilian superstar Neymar has once again found himself at the center of controversy. While his club Santos faced Universidad Central from Venezuela in a crucial Copa Sudamericana group stage match on Tuesday evening, Neymar was hundreds of miles away, sitting at a green felt table. The 34-year-old participated in a poker tournament in São Paulo, an activity that has drawn sharp criticism from fans and pundits alike.

Official Explanation: Load Management

Santos officially defended Neymar's absence, citing load management. The club stated that Neymar had trained normally at the CT Rei Pelé training center earlier that day before heading to the tournament. They emphasized that they are carefully building him up to avoid another injury. However, many question whether a poker tournament is the best way to manage a player's recovery.

Neymar's attendance at such events is not new. He previously participated in the same poker tournament in 2025, winning approximately 9,000 euros in prize money. Moreover, shortly before his return to Santos in early 2026, he was a guest at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. This pattern suggests that poker is a serious hobby for the forward, but one that increasingly conflicts with his professional duties.

A Season to Forget

The timing of this latest episode could hardly be worse for both Neymar and Santos. The club is struggling in the Brazilian Serie A, sitting in 15th place, just one point above the relegation zone. Neymar himself has had a disappointing season, playing only 8 of 19 league games, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists. These numbers fall far short of the expectations that accompanied his emotional return to the club where he began his career.

Neymar's return to Santos in early 2026 was seen as a homecoming after a difficult stint in Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal. Injuries had plagued him there, and the move back to Brazil was meant to rejuvenate his career and prepare him for the World Cup. Instead, injuries have continued to limit his playing time. He missed several matches due to muscle problems and a recurring ankle issue. The club's medical staff has been working to manage his workload, but the poker incident suggests a disconnect between the official plan and Neymar's personal choices.

The Bitter Farewell to the Seleção

The controversy comes just two weeks after Neymar announced his retirement from the Brazilian national team. Following Brazil's 2-1 defeat to Norway in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, an emotional Neymar told Brazilian television: "It's over now." His late penalty in the 100th minute proved too little, too late. Brazil's earliest World Cup exit since 1990 was a devastating blow to the nation.

Despite the disappointing end to his international career, Neymar leaves as Brazil's all-time top scorer. With 80 goals in 130 appearances, he surpassed the legendary Pelé. This record is a testament to his enduring quality and longevity at the highest level. Yet, the manner of his exit and the subsequent poker episode have overshadowed his achievements.

Neymar's Career in Perspective

Born in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior was destined for greatness from a young age. He made his professional debut for Santos at 17 and quickly became the club's star, leading them to a Copa do Brasil title and the prestigious Copa Libertadores in 2011. His move to Barcelona in 2013 for a reported €88 million made him one of the most expensive players in history.

At Barcelona, Neymar formed a formidable attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, winning the treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League) in his first season. He scored 105 goals for the club and won multiple La Liga titles and Copa del Rey trophies. In 2017, he shocked the football world by moving to Paris Saint-Germain for a world-record €222 million transfer fee.

At PSG, Neymar's time was marked by both brilliance and injury. He helped PSG dominate domestically, winning five Ligue 1 titles, but the UEFA Champions League title always eluded them. Injuries, particularly to his right foot, limited his appearances in key moments. In 2023, he moved to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, but a serious knee injury limited him to just a handful of games before he sought a return to Brazil.

The Current Situation and What's Next

Neymar is expected to return to the field this Saturday against Chapecoense in the league. Santos desperately needs his creativity and goal-scoring ability to climb the table. The club has invested heavily in their returning hero, both financially and emotionally. However, the poker incident has raised questions about his commitment and discipline.

Fans took to social media to express their frustration. Many pointed out that while Neymar was playing poker, his teammates were fighting for results in Venezuela. Santos managed a 1-1 draw against Universidad Central, which was enough to advance to the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana, but the performance was lackluster. Without Neymar, the team struggles to create chances.

Santos coach, who requested anonymity due to club policy, stated in a press conference: "We respect Neymar's off-field choices as long as they don't interfere with his professional commitments. He trained with the team and was given permission to attend the tournament. The load management plan is in place to ensure his long-term fitness."

But critics argue that poker tournaments, especially long ones, are not conducive to recovery. They require concentration and can lead to late nights and fatigue. For a player with Neymar's injury history, any non-essential exertion is a risk.

Neymar has not commented publicly on the controversy. His Instagram posts from the event showed him smiling with other poker enthusiasts, which further angered fans. The hashtag NeymarOut started trending in Brazil, though it was not clear whether it meant out of the club or just out of the lineup for the next match.

Looking ahead, Neymar's future at Santos beyond this season is uncertain. He has a contract until 2028, but his high salary and the club's financial struggles mean every aspect of his performance is scrutinized. If Santos fails to improve its league position and Neymar continues to miss games for non-football reasons, the relationship could sour quickly.

On a brighter note, Neymar's legacy as a football icon is secure. His dribbling, flair, and goal-scoring have delighted audiences worldwide. He remains Brazil's all-time top scorer and a key figure in the history of Santos, Barcelona, and PSG. Yet, this latest episode adds another layer to a career that has often been as much about controversy as about brilliance.

The question now is whether Neymar will refocus on football and lead Santos to safety, or whether the distractions will continue. The poker table may provide a temporary escape, but the real game is on the pitch, and time is running out for both Neymar and his beloved club.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Neymar competed in a poker tournament in São Paulo while Santos played a Copa Sudamericana match.
• Santos cited load management as the reason for his absence.
• This is the second time Neymar has participated in this poker event; he also attended the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.
• In the 2026 season, Neymar has played only 8 of 19 league matches for Santos, scoring 4 goals and 2 assists.
• Santos is currently 15th in the Brazilian Serie A, one point above relegation.
• Neymar retired from the Brazilian national team on July 5, 2026, after Brazil's round of 16 World Cup exit against Norway.
• He finished as Brazil's all-time top scorer with 80 goals in 130 caps.
• Neymar is expected to return to action for Santos on Saturday against Chapecoense.

Source: sportbild.bild.de News