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

Neymar has publicly defended himself after facing heavy criticism in Brazil for playing in a two-day poker tournament in Sao Paulo while missing Santos’ most recent match.

The forward, currently back at Santos following Brazil’s exit from World Cup 2026, did not feature in the club’s latest fixture, a decision that sparked widespread debate once it emerged he had taken part in the poker event during the same period.

Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup by Norway, after which Neymar was granted several days of rest. The expectation in Brazil had been that he would quickly reintegrate and play a key role in the decisive phase of Santos’ season, increasing scrutiny when he was absent from the team’s most recent game.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Neymar had already been under fire for his performances at the World Cup under coach Carlo Ancelotti. Many commentators felt he failed to deliver the impact anticipated at the tournament and appeared unenthusiastic about returning to domestic competition.

Neymar responds from training ground

In response to the backlash, Neymar posted a video on his official social media accounts, filmed at Santos’ training centre, in which he addressed the controversy around his poker appearance and his absence from the match.

In the clip, he said: “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 continued: “I trained in the morning, I didn’t play in the match, then I came back to training. It was my day off, and yet 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.”

Neymar’s remarks were seen as a direct response to pundits and fans who questioned his professionalism and commitment following the World Cup and during Santos’ run-in.

Santos win without Neymar

Despite the absence of their star forward, Santos recorded a convincing 4-1 victory over Universidad Central de Venezuela, a result that puts the Brazilian club on the verge of qualifying for the next round of the Copa Sudamericana.

The win has eased some immediate pressure on the team, but Neymar’s situation and his response to critics remain a major talking point in Brazilian football.

Possible return date set

Early indications from within the club suggest Neymar could return to action on Saturday, when Santos face Chapecoense in the Brazilian league.

That fixture is being viewed as a potential opportunity for Neymar to shift the narrative back to his on-pitch performances, after a week in which his off-field activities and World Cup form have been at the centre of attention.