Neymar breaks his silence after criticism for playing poker while Santos were in Copa Sudamericana action

Neymar has responded to the criticism he received after taking part in a poker tournament while Santos were in Venezuela for the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana playoff tie.

Neymar has responded to the criticism he received after taking part in a poker tournament while Santos were in Venezuela for the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana playoff tie.

The Brazilian forward posted a short message on social media alongside a photo of himself smiling at the poker table.

"Life is a joke"

"Life is a joke. 'Don't take life so seriously,'" Neymar wrote, without directly addressing the controversy surrounding his decision.

The post came after fans and commentators criticized him for attending a poker tournament while Santos were playing an important continental fixture.

Why didn't Neymar travel with Santos?

Neymar rejoined Santos last Friday after taking a short break following Brazil's World Cup 2026 campaign.

The 34-year-old began a specific physical conditioning program to regain full fitness, which is why he did not travel with the squad to face Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV).

While Neymar remained in São Paulo, Santos secured a 4-1 away victory thanks to goals from Gabriel Bontempo, Gabriel Menino, Thaciano, and Rony.

Backlash over his poker appearance

On the same day as the match, Neymar shared photos of himself competing in a poker tournament in São Paulo.

The images sparked criticism from fans and pundits, who questioned his commitment to Santos while the team was playing a crucial Copa Sudamericana fixture.

The controversy came only days after Brazil's Round of 16 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Norway and Neymar's announcement that he had played his final match for the Brazilian national team.

Neymar remains under contract with Santos until December of this year.