Brazilian star Neymar Junior has drawn criticism after missing Santos' 4-1 win over Universidad in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana playoff and appearing at a poker tournament in Sao Paulo on the same day. The episode followed the 2026 World Cup and prompted some fans and football analysts to question his commitment and priorities toward the club.

Amid the criticism, Neymar posted four Instagram photographs showing him at a poker table with cards and chips. He captioned the post, “Life is a joke,” and disabled comments. Many believe the cryptic message was aimed at his critics. Neymar had suffered an injury before the World Cup but made Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad, playing only two matches because he was not fully fit.

He scored Brazil's only goal from a penalty in the 2-1 defeat to Norway in the round of 32. After the World Cup, he returned to Santos for rehabilitation and fitness work. Santos head coach Cuca said Neymar's rest was entirely planned, with the player on an intensive training programme to build physical strength before four matches in 10 days.