Neymar's Poker Controversy: Balancing Leisure and Professional Commitment
Neymar allegedly spent almost an entire day playing 'high-stakes' poker while sidelined from his duties at Santos due to 'load management'. This latest incident has sparked a debate about his dedication to his professional commitments.
Neymar allegedly spent almost an entire day playing "high-stakes" poker while sidelined from his duties at Santos due to "load management". The Brazilian icon was ruled out of his club's latest game against Cruzeiro, but his activities off the pitch have sparked a fresh debate regarding his professional commitment.Santos' recent 0-0 draw with Cruzeiro was notable for the absence of their marquee star. While the club officially listed the 34-year-old as out due to "load management" - a protocol designed to monitor training intensity and prevent injury - reports from LeoDias suggest a different story. It is alleged that the forward spent approximately 24 hours participating in an online poker tournament that ran from Friday through Sunday. With buy-ins exceeding $5,000, Neymar reportedly made at least four re-entries on Saturday alone, totalling over $20,000 in fees just to remain in the game.Neymar's affinity for poker is well-documented and dates back over a decade. Since 2014, he has transitioned from a casual player to a prominent figure in the gambling world, even naming his dog 'Poker' and serving as a high-profile brand ambassador for major platforms. Despite his enthusiasm, the hobby has intersected with his professional life in controversial ways. In March 2023, while recovering from an ankle injury at PSG, he famously lost €1m in just two hours during a live stream. More recently, in 2024, he faced criticism for playing online poker on his phone during a party for his daughter Mavie.The Santos star has confirmed that he did play in the poker tournament over the weekend, telling LeoDias: "Unfortunately, these past few days, due to load management, I haven't been able to play, so I've had this time to do what I enjoy most, which is playing a little poker, besides football."The timing of this latest incident is particularly sensitive as Carlo Ancelotti prepares the Brazil national team for friendlies and the 2026 World Cup. Neymar was notably absent from the latest squad, yet several legendary figures have jumped to his defence, including Romario.The 1994 World Cup hero has also urged Ancelotti to reconsider, saying: "Pay attention, sir. A star player has to play. The Brazilian national team is for the best. World Cup preparation lasts a month, enough time for an athlete to recover. It's better to have a star player like Neymar, even if he's not at 100%, than to call up someone else. Talent shouldn't be wasted. And a coach can never do without it. I still hope to see Neymar prove in the Brazilian Championship that he deserves to be on the national team and bring home the sixth title."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingThe draw against bottom-placed Cruzeiro leaves Santos in a difficult position. They currently sit 16th in the table after just one win in eight matches this season. They next face Remo-PA on April 2nd, and Neymar will be expected to feature and make an immediate impact in helping his team climb the table.
Neymar's Poker Tournament Escapade
Santos' recent match against Cruzeiro saw Brazilian superstar Neymar absent from the lineup, officially due to 'load management'. However, reports suggest that he spent nearly 24 hours engrossed in a high-stakes online poker tournament. With significant buy-ins and multiple re-entries, Neymar's poker passion is gaining attention for intersecting with his football career in controversial ways.
Neymar's Poker Journey
Neymar's love for poker dates back years, and he has become a recognizable figure in the gambling world. Despite his success and enthusiasm for the game, his poker endeavors have drawn criticism on multiple occasions, from losing large sums in short periods to playing during personal events.
Response and Defense
In response to the allegations, Neymar confirmed his participation in the poker tournament, citing his enjoyment of the game in the absence of football. Legendary figures like Romario have defended Neymar's absence from the Brazil national team, emphasizing his importance as a star player despite fitness concerns.
The Impact on Santos and World Cup Preparations
With Santos struggling in the league, Neymar's return to form and focus will be crucial in aiding the team's climb up the table. As Brazil prepares for the 2026 World Cup, Neymar's absence from recent friendlies raises questions about his readiness and availability for international duty.
