Santos superstar Neymar has hit back at critics who questioned his presence at a poker tournament during a period of recovery. The 34-year-old forward defended his professional commitment, explaining that the event took place on a scheduled day off and coincided with his return to full training following post-World Cup rest.
Neymar has broken his silence following intense backlash over his decision to compete in a poker tournament while Santos played a crucial Copa Sudamericana tie. The 34-year-old superstar posted a cryptic social media response as he continues to recover from Brazil's shock World Cup exit and his subsequent retirement from international football.
Santos superstar Neymar was a notable absentee from the squad as Cuca's side secured a dominant victory in the Copa Sudamericana on Tuesday night. Rather than flying to Venezuela for the continental clash, the Brazilian icon was spotted competing in a professional poker tournament in Sao Paulo.
Brazilian forward Neymar is back on the training pitch with Santos, looking sharp and scoring goals in a recently shared video. The return to domestic action comes swiftly after a heartbreaking exit from the 2026 World Cup, which culminated in his emotional international retirement and intense scrutiny over how his fitness was managed during the tournament.
Spain forward Nico Williams dedicated La Roja's historic World Cup final triumph over Argentina to his "idol" Neymar. The Athletic Club star provided the vital extra-time assist for Ferran Torres' winner at the New York New Jersey Stadium, ensuring his nation secured their second global crown to equal France and Uruguay.
The 2026 World Cup came to a close in New Jersey on Sunday as Spain were deservedly crowned champions after a dour 1-0 win over 10-man Argentina in one of the worst finals in the tournament history. La Roja substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of a game that was essentially attack versus defence even before Enzo Fernandez got himself stupidly sent off for a second yellow card in the final minute of normal time.
Neymar has decided to heal the wounds of his international retirement by splashing out on a staggering £17 million ($23m) superyacht. The Brazilian legend, who called time on his Selecao career following their World Cup exit, has followed in the footsteps of fellow icons David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo by investing in a luxury vessel.
Brazil's Olympic gold-winning coach Rogerio Micale has questioned Carlo Ancelotti's treatment of Neymar during the 2026 World Cup, comparing the forward to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite Neymar announcing his international retirement following a devastating exit against Norway, Micale insists the attacker should reconsider and aim for the 2030 tournament.
Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario has sent a public message to Neymar, urging the forward not to rush into international retirement following a devastating 2026 World Cup exit. The Santos star hinted that his time with the Selecao was over after a shock defeat in North America, but he has now been told to take a step back before making a final call.
Brazil icon Neymar has wasted no time finding a new competitive outlet following the Selecao's disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign. The 34-year-old was spotted at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas just days after his country was eliminated from the tournament by Norway.
Brazil legend Neymar has been spotted taking a weight off his feet in surprising fashion just days after his nation’s shock 2026 World Cup exit. The 34-year-old was filmed navigating the crowds at Universal Orlando on a mobility scooter, sparking fresh debate regarding his physical condition during the tournament.
The footballing world stood still as Neymar announced his international retirement in the aftermath of Brazil’s shock exit from the 2026 World Cup. However, the legendary forward’s father has since taken to social media to issue a moving plea, begging his son to reconsider hanging up his boots for good.
The inquest into Brazil's disastrous World Cup exit is well underway after the five-time winners were unceremoniously dumped out of the tournament at the hands of dark horses Norway and the goals of Erling Haaland. In truth, the Selecao never really got going in North America - hamstrung by an ageing, rag-tag squad that was yet to gel as they often relied on Vinicius Jr to deliver the goods.
Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has admitted he's glad to see Brazil eliminated from the World Cup, accusing Neymar of putting his own ego above the team's success during their last-16 exit against Norway.
Brazil international Juliano Belletti has fiercely defended the legacy of Ronaldinho, claiming that modern icon Neymar merely executed what the 2002 World Cup winner originally invented. Speaking in the wake of the Seleção's emotional 2026 World Cup exit, the former Barcelona defender dismantled long-standing myths surrounding Ronaldinho's work ethic while explaining his foundational influence on the nation's all-time leading scorer.
The final act of Neymar’s international career has been written in tears as the legendary forward announced his retirement from Brazil duty. Following a shock World Cup exit at the hands of Norway, the Selecao’s greatest ever goalscorer confirmed he will no longer represent his country.
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