Neymar hits back at critics with poker-themed celebration on Santos return
Neymar Jr. responded to criticism by celebrating with a poker gesture after scoring twice for Santos, following backlash over his poker tournament appearance.
Key Takeaways
AIBrazilian star Neymar Jr. responded to recent fierce criticism during his first match back with Santos after a break that followed Brazil's exit from the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar scored twice to help his team secure a 2-2 draw against Chapecoense, but attention focused particularly on his celebration after the first goal.
He mimicked dealing poker cards during his celebration, a pointed reference to the public and media backlash he faced for choosing to spend time in gaming halls rather than focusing on his football commitments.
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Controversy over Neymar's poker tournament appearance
Neymar sparked outrage in Brazil after traveling to Las Vegas to compete in a professional poker tournament just a week after announcing his retirement from international football, following Brazil's 2-1 quarterfinal loss to Norway at the World Cup.
His participation in the tournament coincided with a crucial Copa Sudamericana match for Santos, causing frustration among fans and sports analysts.