Brazilian striker Neymar responded to the criticism he received after participating in a poker tournament while Santos played a key match in the Copa Sudamericana in Venezuela.

The 34-year-old footballer published a message on his social networks in which he referred to the situation and assured that life should be taken less seriously, accompanied by an image in which he appears smiling during a game of cards.

"Life is a joke. 'Don't take life so seriously,'" said the Brazilian attacker in a publication on his social networks that he accompanied with a photograph of him laughing while playing poker.

Neymar is at the center of controversy for participating in a poker tournament

The controversy arose after Neymar appeared at a poker event in São Paulo while his Santos teammates faced Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) in the play-off for the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana.

The Brazilian team achieved a resounding 4-1 victory at the Misael Delgado Sports Center in Valencia, with goals from Gabriel Bontempo, Gabriel Menino, Thaciano and Rony.

However, the images of the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player generated criticism among fans and sports commentators, who questioned his commitment to the team at an important moment of the season.

Santos explains Neymar's absence on the trip to Venezuela

Neymar was not included in the squad for the first leg against UCV because he was carrying out a specific physical plan to recover his best condition.

The Brazilian returned to work at Santos last Friday, after enjoying a few days of vacation following his participation in the 2026 World Cup, a tournament in which Brazil was eliminated in the round of 16 against Norway by a score of 1-2.

The coaching staff decided that the attacker should continue with individual preparation, so he did not travel with the rest of the squad for the international commitment.

Neymar also participated in a poker tournament after the 2026 World Cup

The controversy came a few days after Neymar was left out of the 2026 World Cup and announced his farewell to the Brazilian team.

According to local press reports, the soccer player also participated in another poker tournament in Las Vegas, where he was eliminated in the first rounds of the competition.

Neymar's relationship with this alternative sport has been known in recent years, although on this occasion his participation coincided with an official match for his club and caused negative reactions among some of the fans.

Neymar maintains contract with Santos until December

Neymar's future with Santos continues to be defined by the current contract he has with the Brazilian club until the end of this season, that is, until December.

While he seeks to recover his best physical level after a period marked by injuries and ups and downs, the forward continues to be one of the most media figures in Brazilian football.