Ikhtisar Croatia U17

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.