The saga came to an end. After several days at the center of controversy for his participation in the BSOP Winter while Santos was playing in the Copa Sudamericana football tournament, Neymar
Coach Cuca confirmed that the number 10 will start for the match against Chapecoense, for the 20th round of the Brasileirao, putting an end to a debate that transcended football and reached the poker tables… where it began.
This was the controversy with Neymar
It all started when Santos traveled to Venezuela to face Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana and Neymar was not part of the delegation. While the team was winning 4-1 away, images of the former Barcelona and PSG player playing the BSOP Winter in São Paulo began to circulate, one of the most important poker festivals in South America that CodigoPoker broadcasts via live blog and streaming.
Criticism was quick to appear, although the club was clear: his absence was due to a decision by the coaching staff to physically preserve the forward after his participation with Brazil in the 2026 World Cup. Instead of traveling, Neymar remained at CT Rei Pelé, where he performed strength training and a special training plan.
«We are going to play four matches in ten days. What advantage was there in bringing him to Venezuela?», explained coach Cuca, after Santos’ victory, making it clear that everything was part of the planning.
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But Neymar himself also decided to respond. Because while playing the BSOP Winter, he posted a photo on his social media playing poker accompanied by the phrase «Life is a joke. Don’t take life so seriously». And shortly after, he was even more direct.
In a video recorded before a practice, the Brazilian recalled that on the day he played poker, he had completed his training and only had a day off the following day. «Can I train or are you going to control that too? Mind your own business!», he said, looking at the camera.
Now, attention will return to football. The match against Chapecoense will mark Neymar’s official return with Santos, after almost three weeks without playing a match. It will also be the end of a week in which the Brazilian star made headlines both for his cards and for his statements.
Of course, his time at the BSOP Winter made it clear that, whenever he has some free time, poker remains one of his great passions. Between one hand and another, he even found time to respond to those who questioned his commitment. Starting Saturday, the cards will be set aside for a while and the boots will return.
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