Neymar Skips Key Match to Compete in Poker Tournament

WHO:

Fox News - Neymar, Santos manager Cuca, Universidad Central, Willian Arao, Joao Schmidt, Igor Vinicius

FOX Sports - Neymar, Santos manager Cuca, Universidad Central, Willian Arao, Joao Schmidt, Igor Vinicius

WHAT:

Fox News - Neymar announced his retirement from international football following Brazil's 2-1 loss to Norway at the 2026 World Cup, where he scored 80 goals in 130 appearances for his country.

Fox News - Neymar participated in the fourth stage of the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) Winter edition.

Fox News - Neymar's presence at the poker tournament occurred just hours before Santos kicked off their playoff tie.

Fox News - Santos secured a 4-1 victory against Universidad Central, establishing a commanding cushion ahead of the second leg at the Vila Belmiro.

Fox News - If Santos finishes the job against Universidad Central, they will face Ecuadorian giants Macara in the next round.

Fox News - Neymar missed a Copa Sudamericana match, where Santos won 4-1 against Universidad Central.

FOX Sports - Neymar participated in the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) Winter edition and previously won R$53,500 in the same tournament in 2025.

Fox News - Santos is currently in 15th place in the league table.

FOX Sports - Neymar will return to action against Chapecoense on an upcoming Saturday.

WHERE:

Fox News - The poker tournament took place at the Golden Hall of the WTC Complex in São Paulo.

FOX Sports - The Copa Sudamericana match was held in Venezuela.

WHEN:

Fox News - The Copa Sudamericana match occurred on a Tuesday night.

FOX Sports - Cuca mentioned that in ten days, Santos would play four matches.

WHY:

Goal.com - Neymar's attendance at the poker tournament was sanctioned by the club to allow him to focus on a conditioning program following the 2026 World Cup.

Fox News - The decision to leave Neymar out of the match was to ensure he was fully rested following his international commitment and to focus on a specific fitness program.

FOX Sports - Cuca explained that Neymar was sidelined for a few days and did not have a holiday, prompting the decision to allow him to train hard.

HOW:

Fox News - Neymar shared a video on social media showing him scoring goals and looking sharp in training drills.

Fox News - Neymar was seen competing at the poker tournament instead of traveling with the team for the match, as part of a decision made by the club.

Fox News - Neymar was seen competing in a professional poker tournament instead of traveling with the team for the match.

FOX Sports - Cuca stated that Neymar stayed behind to work on his fitness, similar to other players who were not included in the match.

Neymar has announced his retirement from international football after Brazil's recent 2-1 loss to Norway at the 2026 World Cup, where he scored an impressive 80 goals in 130 appearances for his country. Following the tournament, his club sanctioned his attendance at a poker tournament to help him focus on a conditioning program. In a video shared on social media, Neymar showcased his skills by scoring goals and looking sharp in training drills.