Neymar hits back at critics over poker appearance after missing Santos match

Neymar has publicly defended himself after coming under fire in Brazil for taking part in a two-day poker tournament in Sao Paulo while missing Santos’ most recent match.

The forward, who has been heavily criticised for his performances at the 2026 World Cup under Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, sat out Santos’ latest fixture despite having been given several days’ rest following the national team’s elimination by Norway.

Brazil’s exit from the tournament had led to expectations that Neymar would return refreshed to help Santos in the decisive phase of their season. His absence from the club’s last game, however, triggered a fresh wave of scrutiny over his attitude and commitment.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, many observers in Brazil felt Neymar failed to deliver the expected impact at the World Cup and appeared unmotivated about rejoining competitive action afterwards. The decision to appear at a poker event in Sao Paulo on his day off added further fuel to the debate.

Neymar responds in training-ground video

Neymar addressed the criticism in a video posted on his official social media accounts from Santos’ training centre, insisting he had respected his professional responsibilities before attending the poker tournament.

“I was here getting ready for the second training session, and I remembered that a lot of people talked about me playing poker on my day off,” he said.

“I trained in the morning, I didn’t play in the match, and then I came back to training. It was my day off, and they’re still talking. I’m getting ready to train. Can I train or are you going to keep criticising me as well? Mind your own business.”

The clip was intended to show Neymar working at the club’s facilities, as he sought to rebut claims that his priorities lay away from the pitch in a key period for Santos.

Santos win without Neymar

In Neymar’s absence, Santos delivered an emphatic 4-1 victory over Universidad Central de Venezuela, a result that leaves the Brazilian side close to securing qualification for the next round of the Copa Sudamericana.

The convincing scoreline eased some of the sporting pressure on the club, even as the debate around their star player’s conduct continued to dominate discussion off the pitch.

Possible return date set

Despite the controversy, expectations within Brazil point towards a swift return to competitive action for Neymar.

Local projections suggest he could be back on the pitch on Saturday, when Santos are scheduled to face Chapecoense in the Brazilian league, in what would be his first match since Brazil’s World Cup exit to Norway.

The prospect of his comeback comes amid ongoing scrutiny of both his form at international level and his focus ahead of a crucial stretch in Santos’ season.