Santos superstar Neymar was a notable absentee from his club's squad during their decisive Copa Sudamericana match on Tuesday night. Instead of traveling with his teammates to Venezuela for the continental clash, the Brazilian forward was seen competing in a professional poker tournament in São Paulo.
Neymar, who has expressed a passion for poker, participated in the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) Winter edition at the Golden Hall of the WTC Complex. This event occurred just hours before Santos kicked off their crucial playoff tie. However, the club had already made the decision to rest the player and have him focus on a specific fitness program following his return from the World Cup.
Santos manager Cuca explained Neymar's absence after the team's 4-1 victory over Universidad Central. Cuca stated that the decision was made to ensure Neymar was fully rested and could build strength after his international commitments and a lack of a holiday. The manager emphasized that the arduous trip to Venezuela would not have been beneficial and that Neymar was instead undergoing a focused training program.
Despite his presence at the poker tournament, Neymar has been actively training with his club. He had recently shared videos on social media demonstrating his sharpness in training drills. The club's strategy appears to be geared towards having Neymar at peak condition for the domestic league, where Santos is currently in 15th place.
The absence of their star player did not hinder Santos in their continental match, as they secured a commanding 4-1 victory, positioning themselves strongly for the round of 16 in the Copa Sudamericana. Neymar is expected to return for Santos' upcoming league fixture against Chapecoense on Saturday.
This period marks a significant transition for Neymar, who recently retired from international football after Brazil's exit from the 2026 World Cup. With his international career concluded, his focus is now entirely on his club commitments with Santos, where his leadership and goal-scoring are considered vital for the team's success in a demanding fixture list.