Neymar misses Santos’ Copa Sudamericana win after competing in Brazilian Poker Championship

Neymar was absent from Santos’ squad as the Brazilian club cruised to a convincing 4-1 victory over Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana.

Instead of travelling to Venezuela with the team, the Brazil superstar remained in Sao Paulo, where he was spotted competing in the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) Winter edition while continuing an individual fitness programme arranged by the club.

Neymar swaps football for poker

While Santos took a major step towards the Copa Sudamericana round of 16, Neymar spent Tuesday evening at the Golden Hall of the WTC Complex in Sao Paulo participating in one of Brazil’s biggest poker tournaments.

According to ESPN Brazil, the forward entered the fourth stage of the BSOP Winter edition, continuing his well-known passion for poker.

Neymar has previously enjoyed success in the competition, winning R$53,500 during the 2025 edition.

His appearance raised eyebrows among supporters, given Santos were playing an important continental fixture on the same night.

Cuca explains Neymar’s absence

Santos manager Cuca insisted the decision had nothing to do with disciplinary issues and was instead part of a carefully managed recovery plan following Neymar’s World Cup campaign.

The veteran coach explained that the club wanted the forward to focus on regaining full fitness after a demanding period with Brazil.

“Since he was sidelined for a few days and didn’t have a holiday, we decided to let him get even stronger, training hard so he could have a run of games,” Cuca said.

“Now, in ten days, we’re going to play four matches. What advantage would it be to bring him here?

“You saw how hard and exhausting the trip is. He stayed there working, just like Willian Arao, Joao Schmidt, and Igor Vinicius, and that gives us more options for the upcoming games.”

Fitness remains the priority

Although he spent part of the evening at the poker tournament, Neymar has continued working at Santos’ training facilities.

The 34-year-old recently shared footage on social media showing himself training intensely and scoring during practice sessions as he builds towards full match fitness.

Santos are currently battling in the lower half of the Brazilian Serie A table, making Neymar’s physical condition a key priority ahead of a demanding domestic schedule.

Santos dominate without their star

Neymar’s absence did little to slow Santos down.

The Brazilian side produced an impressive display to defeat Universidad Central 4-1 away from home, taking firm control of the playoff tie ahead of next week’s return leg at Vila Belmiro.

Victory would book a place in the Copa Sudamericana round of 16, where Ecuadorian side Macara await.

Cuca also confirmed that Neymar is expected to return for Santos’ league clash against Chapecoense on Saturday.

Final verdict

Although Neymar’s appearance at the Brazilian Poker Championship attracted attention, Santos insist his absence from the Copa Sudamericana was part of a planned fitness programme rather than a distraction.

With the club comfortably positioned to reach the next round and Neymar expected back for domestic action, Santos appear confident that their biggest star will soon be ready to make a full impact on the pitch once again.