In a video response, Neymar said: “Eu estava aqui me preparando para o meu segundo treino e lembrei que, no meu dia de folga, muita gente começou a falar que eu fui jogar pôquer.”
He insisted he had trained in the morning, returned to work afterwards and was simply using his day off to rest. The episode quickly became a debate about professionalism, even though the player’s version was that poker formed part of his personal time away from the pitch.
Neymar also posted images from the tournament, adding: “A vida é uma piada.” The reaction underlined how closely every decision is being watched during a sensitive stage of his career.
Cuca’s reported explanation was firmly focused on workload rather than punishment. “ [O Santos] joga quatro partidas em 10 dias. Qual é a vantagem de trazê-lo aqui?”, the coach said.
He also reportedly wanted Neymar to continue training strongly so the forward could build a sequence of appearances. That is a familiar concern with a high-profile player returning from time away: the priority is not one isolated match, but making sure the body can handle a sustained run.
The poker appearance may have created noise, but Santos’ reported plan remains football-led. Neymar’s conditioning, rather than his leisure activity, will ultimately define the success of the decision.
The report says Santos expect Neymar to return against Chapecoense on Sunday. If selected, the match will offer him the clearest response possible: a healthy performance, meaningful minutes and a contribution on the field.
Until then, the argument will continue to follow him. Neymar’s next storyline is no longer what he did on his day off, but whether that extra work can help him stay available when Santos need their No. 10.