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Neymar Explodes After Criticism for Playing Poker While Santos Played in a Copa Sudamericana Match
Neymar has broken his silence after facing criticism for attending a poker tournament during his scheduled time off. The Brazilian insists he followed Santos' fitness plan and delivered a blunt message to those questioning his commitment.
Neymar Explains Why He Attended a Poker Tournament
The controversy began after photos surfaced showing the forward smiling during a poker tournament in São Paulo, while Santos faced Universidad Central de Venezuela in the first leg of the CONMEBOL Sudamericana playoff for a place in the Round of 16.
The Brazilian's presence at the event sparked a strong reaction because, just days earlier, he had requested additional time to focus on a specialized fitness recovery program. For many, his appearance at the tournament contradicted his stated commitment to prioritizing his physical condition.
However, according to Neymar's own statements, that day was part of a scheduled break approved by the coaching staff. The forward explained that he had trained in the morning, was never expected to travel with the team and later resumed his fitness work as part of his preparation to return to competitive action.
Meanwhile, the São Paulo club claimed an emphatic 4-1 victory in Venezuela, a result that softened the sporting impact of the No. 10's absence but did little to prevent the discussion from quickly taking over social media.
The Message That Fueled the Debate Even More
After several hours of criticism, Neymar decided to respond directly through his social media accounts. He first shared images of himself training in the gym before posting a video that made his frustration crystal clear.
"Can I train, or are you going to keep criticizing me? Mind your own business!" the forward said while going through his workout routine. At the end of the video, he even slapped his phone's camera as a visible sign of his frustration.
A day earlier, the Brazilian had already hinted at his feelings with another social media post that also drew attention.
"Life is a joke. Don't take life so seriously," he wrote, a message many interpreted as his first response to the growing controversy.
Criticism Also Came From Brazilian Football Figures
The striker's explanation failed to convince everyone. One of the harshest reactions came from former player and current commentator Craque Neto, who openly questioned the attacker's attitude.
According to the former footballer, Neymar has every right to enjoy his free time, but believes the real issue is the image he projects while trying to reestablish himself as a key figure for Santos.
The commentator's remarks quickly resonated with a section of the fan base that believes the forward should be focused exclusively on returning to his best form after a difficult period marked by injuries and inconsistent performances.
Another Chapter in a Career Familiar With Controversy
Neymar recently returned to Santos after taking a few days off following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Brazil was eliminated in the Round of 16 by Norway, a tournament that also marked his farewell to the Brazilian national team.
Now, the forward's main objective is to regain his competitive rhythm through a specialized fitness program designed by the club, with the goal of returning to official action as soon as possible.
