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Santos star Neymar was missing from the squad as Cuca’s men produced a commanding performance in the Copa Sudamericana on Tuesday night. Instead of travelling with the team to Venezuela for the continental clash, the Brazilian forward opted to take part in a professional poker tournament held in São Paulo.

High stakes at the poker table

While his Santos teammates were battling on the field in Venezuela, Neymar was seen sharpening his poker skills at the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) Winter edition. The forward, who is well known for his interest in the card game, participated in the fourth stage of the national championship at the Golden Hall of the WTC Complex in São Paulo, according to ESPN Brazil. It’s a familiar setting for Neymar, who earned R$53,500 during his appearance in the same event back in 2025.

The timing of his appearance generated some curiosity among fans, as it took place only hours before Santos’ crucial playoff encounter. However, his participation was not a case of skipping club duties without permission. The club had already decided to leave him out of the travelling squad to allow him to concentrate on a tailored fitness plan following his return from a disappointing World Cup campaign.

Cuca clarifies the star’s omission

After Santos’ 4-1 win over Universidad Central, manager Cuca addressed questions about Neymar’s absence. The experienced coach emphasised that the decision was taken to give the forward time to rest and rebuild after his international commitments.

“Since he was out for a few days and didn’t get a proper holiday, we thought it best to let him get stronger by training intensively so he could maintain consistency,” Cuca explained after the match. “In the next ten days, we have four matches to play. What would be the point of bringing him here? You’ve seen how long and tiring the trip is. He stayed back training, just like [Willian] Arao, Joao Schmidt, and Igor Vinicius, and that gives us more options for the upcoming fixtures.”

Despite spending the evening at the poker table, Neymar has been training diligently at the club’s facilities. He recently posted a video online showing him scoring goals and looking sharp during drills. Cuca’s plan clearly focuses on ensuring Neymar reaches full fitness ahead of the domestic campaign, where Santos currently sit 15th in the league standings.

A big night for the Peixe

Even without their marquee player, Santos proved far too strong for Universidad Central, taking a commanding 4-1 victory in Venezuela to put one foot in the Copa Sudamericana round of 16. The result gives them a comfortable cushion ahead of the second leg at Vila Belmiro next week. If they advance, Ecuadorian side Macará await in the next round.

When asked about Neymar’s return, Cuca confirmed that the No.10 will feature in the upcoming league fixture against Chapecoense this Saturday. The comprehensive away win reduces pressure on their continental campaign, allowing the team to shift focus back to domestic competition over the weekend.

Life after international retirement

This phase represents a major turning point in Neymar’s career, following his recent retirement from international football. The forward announced the end of his time with the Brazilian national team after their shock 2-1 defeat to Norway at the 2026 World Cup — a loss that left him emotional. With 80 goals in 130 appearances for Brazil, Neymar bowed out of international football at the MetLife Stadium.

Now that his national team duties are behind him, Neymar’s attention is firmly on his club career with Santos. The Peixe will rely heavily on his leadership and goal-scoring ability to navigate a demanding schedule. If he maintains his current fitness and training form, Neymar could be the key factor in rescuing Santos’ season.