Neymar Shines With Two Goals in Santos Comeback, Taunts Critics

WHO:

Goal.com - Neymar, Brazilian superstar and all-time Brazil top-scorer.

Flashscore.com - Santos Football Club, Chapecoense, Coach Cuca.

WHAT:

Goal.com - Santos achieved a 4-1 victory in a Copa Sudamericana play-off against Universidad Central while Neymar was participating in the BSOP Winter poker tournament.

Flashscore.com - Neymar scored his first goal in the 35th minute after receiving a pass from Igor Vinicius and Álvaro Barreal.

Flashscore.com - Neymar scored two goals for Santos in his first appearance after a two-and-a-half-month absence.

Flashscore.com - Santos drew 2-2 against bottom club Chapecoense.

Goal.com - Neymar celebrated his first goal with a card-dealing gesture and mimicked a golf swing with a corner flag.

Flashscore.com - Santos is one point above the relegation zone in Brazil's top flight.

WHERE:

Goal.com - The poker tournament took place in Sao Paulo.

Flashscore.com - The match against Chapecoense was held at Santos' home ground.

WHEN:

Flashscore.com - Neymar's return match occurred on a Saturday.

Sportskeeda - The 2026 FIFA World Cup took place in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

WHY:

Goal.com - Coach Cuca stated that the decision to keep Neymar in Sao Paulo was made to prioritize his long-term fitness over a demanding travel schedule.

Goal.com - Neymar faced backlash for participating in a poker tournament while his teammates played a Copa Sudamericana match in Venezuela.

Goal.com - Coach Cuca stated that Neymar's absence from the Copa Sudamericana match was a tactical decision to prioritize his long-term fitness.

HOW:

Goal.com - Neymar participated in all required training sessions before attending the poker tournament and was officially on a scheduled day off.

Santos celebrated a decisive 4-1 victory in a Copa Sudamericana play-off against Universidad Central, while Neymar was busy competing in the BSOP Winter poker tournament. Neymar found the back of the net for the first time in the match during the 35th minute, thanks to a well-placed pass from Igor Vinicius and Álvaro Barreal. Coach Cuca explained that the choice to keep Neymar in Sao Paulo was made to focus on his long-term fitness rather than subject him to a grueling travel schedule.