Neymar faces backlash in Brazil after poker appearances following World Cup exit

Brazil captain Neymar has sparked fresh controversy at home after being spotted playing high‐stakes poker in Las Vegas and at a major Brazilian tournament, just days after the national team’s shock early exit from the 2026 World Cup.

The Selecao were knocked out in the last 16 of the tournament, losing 2-1 to Norway in a result that sent shockwaves through Brazilian football and fuelled a national debate about the team’s direction.

Yet within days of the elimination, Neymar surprised fans and pundits by appearing in Las Vegas to compete in a poker event – a move that drew immediate and intense reaction on social media.

Many supporters and commentators accused the 34-year-old of showing poor judgement and a lack of sensitivity to the mood in Brazil, where anger and disappointment over the World Cup failure remain high.

Social media storm over Las Vegas trip

Images and reports of Neymar at the Las Vegas poker tables quickly went viral, with fans questioning why the Brazil captain chose to participate in a glamorous card tournament so soon after one of the country’s most painful World Cup exits.

His presence was described across platforms as being in “stark contrast” to the national mood of frustration and sadness following the team’s early return from the United States-hosted tournament.

Critics argued that, as captain and one of the most high-profile figures in Brazilian sport, Neymar should have projected a more measured public image in the immediate aftermath of the defeat.

Supporters, however, pointed out that players are entitled to their private lives during the off-season and that the trip came after the national team’s commitments had formally ended.

Poker again instead of travelling with Santos

The issue escalated further when the pattern repeated itself at club level.

According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Neymar did not travel with Santos to Venezuela for their Copa Sudamericana qualifying tie against Universidad Central, after the coaching staff decided to rest him for the opening round fixture.

Instead, he attended the fourth stage of the Brazilian Poker Series, appearing at the event with friends while his team-mates were on continental duty.

The decision not to travel, combined with his appearance at another poker competition, fuelled renewed criticism that his off-field priorities were colliding with expectations of leadership for both club and country.

ESPN: Neymar’s poker winnings disclosed

Brazilian network ESPN reported that in 2025 Neymar earned 53,500 Brazilian reais from his participation in a poker championship.

The current stage of the Brazilian Poker Series is scheduled to run until 30 July, and Neymar is expected to take part again in the coming days, the broadcaster added.

Neymar has long been known as an enthusiastic poker player, frequently sharing his interest in the game on social media and appearing at professional events during breaks in the football calendar.

Questions over leadership and image

The latest episodes have reopened debates in Brazil about the forward’s role and image as captain of the national team.

While there is no suggestion that Neymar has breached any contractual or disciplinary rules, the timing of his poker appearances – immediately after a World Cup exit and while resting during a key continental qualifier – has been seized on by critics as symbolic of broader problems in Brazilian football.

With Santos fighting to re-establish themselves as a major force domestically and the Brazilian FA under pressure to explain the national team’s struggles, Neymar’s every move is likely to remain under intense scrutiny in the months ahead.