Neymar Responds to Poker Criticism

Santos forward and Brazil international, Neymar, has stated that playing card games does not hinder his football career.

“People always talk about me playing poker. But today I had a morning training session. I missed the last match because I just started training again. I went to the poker tournament on a day off. Right now, I’m preparing for training. And I also want to ask you something: can I train, or will you have something to say about that too?” Neymar wrote on social media.

Earlier, Neymar faced criticism on social media after being spotted at a poker tournament in São Paulo, despite not participating in Santos' recent matches in the Brasileirão Betano and Copa Sudamericana. Santos hopes to see their player feature in the upcoming Brazilian championship match against Chapecoense, scheduled for July 26th. Neymar played for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup and was subsequently named by the authoritative media outlet ESPN as one of the tournament's disappointments.