Neymar Skips Santos Match to Play Poker, Eliminated Early
Brazilian footballer Neymar did not travel with Santos to Venezuela for a Copa Sudamericana match due to a rotation policy, instead participating in a poker tournament in Rio de Janeiro. The 34-year-old, who recently concluded Brazil's 2026 World Cup campaign with a Round of 16 exit, was absent from the previous league match and opted to compete in the Brazilian Series of Poker Winter Stage. He was eliminated before the money rounds by Colombian professional Juan Sebastián Fonseca Chávez, who noted Neymar played well but could improve. Neymar's poker hobby previously sparked controversy at Paris Saint-Germain, with Kylian Mbappé criticizing his participation during a crucial season phase. Santos' head coach defended the decision, citing the need for rest and physical training ahead of a packed schedule of four matches in ten days. Neymar is expected to return for the league match against Chapecoense on Saturday.
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