According to RMC, Neymar made his comeback for Santos, scoring twice against Chapecoense. After scoring, he even mimicked dealing cards, responding to criticism that he was addicted to poker.
The most direct response was provocation. Since Brazil's elimination from the 2026 World Cup, Neymar made his comeback for Santos, scoring two goals in a 2-2 draw against Chapecoense. What truly provoked the reaction wasn't the Brazilian striker's performance, but his celebration after scoring his first goal.
After scoring, Neymar made a card-dealing gesture, directly responding to criticism of his participation in a poker tournament. At the time, Santos was playing in the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16. The Brazilian star then celebrated by using a corner flag as a golf club.
A week after being eliminated from the World Cup, Neymar traveled to Las Vegas to participate in a poker tournament.
A week after Brazil's 1-2 defeat to Norway and his subsequent retirement from the national team, Neymar remained in the United States to participate in a poker tournament in Las Vegas. The timing was also unfortunate, as the tournament was scheduled for the same day as Brazil's World Cup quarter-final match against England, which Brazil had subsequently lost to Erling Haaland's teammate.
Former professional poker player Victor Garcia said on his social media account: "Neymar now plays poker at a pro level, and poker has always been one of the reasons he gave up football." He then added: "Why? The demanding schedules, all-nighters, and pushing your mental limits. It's his choice, and he should just be more honest about it."
