Neymar has become the center of criticism in Brazil after failing to travel with Santos for a Copa Sudamericana match, only to appear at a high-stakes poker tournament in Sao Paulo.
Neymar is once again facing a wave of backlash from Brazilian fans. The 34-year-old striker was questioned about his professionalism after missing Santos’ away match against Universidad in the Copa Sudamericana on July 21.
According to information from Santos FC, Neymar was left out of the matchday squad because he needed to stay behind to focus on improving his physical condition. The Brazilian club also wanted the player to have more recovery time and better prepare for the next phase of the 2026 season.
However, images of Neymar appearing at a high-stakes poker tournament in Sao Paulo on the same day sparked outrage among the public. Many Santos fans argued that this was inconsistent with the reason given by the club, especially at a time when the team needed the presence of its biggest star.
The incident quickly sparked debate on social network X. A section of fans criticized Neymar, alleging he lacked responsibility toward Santos, while other opinions defended the Brazilian player, emphasizing that attending a personal event did not mean he was skipping his training process.
This is not the first time Neymar has faced off-pitch controversies. Since returning to Santos, the former Barcelona and PSG star has frequently faced immense pressure regarding his form, physical condition, and personal activities.
Currently, Neymar is still in the process of rediscovering his playing rhythm after a long period of dealing with injury issues. As a result, every move he makes receives special attention from Brazilian fans. In Santos colors during the 2026 season, the striker has scored just 1 goal in 2 appearances.
