Neymar Missed Brazilian League Match to Rest, but Spent 24 Hours Playing Online Poker

^{Pictured: Neymar at one of the poker tournaments}

Santos forward Neymar missed a Brazilian league match against Cruzeiro (0-0) at the coaching staff’s decision, with the player given rest to reduce workload and avoid potential fitness issues. However, he appeared to spend that time playing online poker.

According to Brazilian outlet LeoDias, Neymar spent a total of around 24 hours playing poker from Friday to Sunday, including while his team was on the pitch.

On Sunday, the forward began his session before kick-off and continued playing throughout the match.

He was playing in a high-stakes tournament, with a buy-in exceeding $5,000. Players were allowed to re-enter after elimination, and Neymar is understood to have made several such attempts.

He is reported to have spent more than $20,000 on re-entries alone, and at least $25,000 including the initial buy-in.

The overall financial outcome remains unknown, although sources note that in similar games he more often ends up losing.

Neymar also attempted to conceal his nickname on the poker platform to limit access to his results. However, his participation was identified, as he had previously shared the account on social media, and usernames on the platform are unique.

The situation has raised questions, as the player was officially rested for recovery while engaging in prolonged and intensive gaming sessions. The club stated that Neymar had no injury and that the decision to miss the match was intended to give him a break and manage workload.

Following the match, Santos remained near the bottom of the standings, sitting 16th with seven points.

Gambling Park notes that the World Poker Tour has postponed its Cyprus tournament due to the conflict in the Middle East.