Neymar defended his decision to skip Santos' recent fixture, directly addressing Brazilian media after facing fierce backlash over his absence. The winger was not included in the squad for the match against Universidad Central de Venezuela, spending his day off playing poker in São Paulo instead—a choice that triggered widespread condemnation from fans and commentators who questioned his commitment during a crucial stage of the season.
The controversy intensified following Brazil's early elimination from the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Norway under coach Carlo Ancelotti. Critics seized on Neymar's performance during the tournament, arguing he lacked intensity and failed to deliver the impact expected of a player of his caliber. His poker tournament appearance felt to many like a symbol of indifference at a time when he should have been mentally preparing for the domestic season's decisive phase.
Neymar's Direct Response
In a video posted from the Santos training facility, Neymar responded bluntly to his detractors: "I trained in the morning, I did not take part in the match, then I went back to training. It was my day off, and yet they are still talking. Can I train, or are you going to keep criticizing me too? Mind your own business." His measured but firm tone underscored frustration at the constant scrutiny surrounding his personal time off the pitch.
The 32-year-old explained that he had been preparing for a second training session when he recalled how extensively his poker activities had been discussed. His defense highlighted the distinction between rest days earned through morning preparation and match participation—a line that many felt had been deliberately blurred by critics.
Santos Thrived Without Him
Notably, Santos showed no signs of missing their star player, demolishing Universidad Central de Venezuela 4-1 in Copa Sudamericana action. The convincing victory moved the club significantly closer to Copa Sudamericana qualification, suggesting the team's momentum remains intact. Neymar is expected to return next Saturday when Santos take on Chapecoense in Brazil's domestic league—a fixture that will provide him the opportunity to prove his critics wrong through performance rather than words.
