Neymar Scores Brace for Santos Amid 'Poker' Controversy

Neymar Junior's frustration over Brazil's FIFA World Cup exit—compounded by limited playing time and a round-of-16 defeat to Norway—sparked cryptic hints about his future.

Following the team's elimination, he faced a wave of criticism after participating in popular gambling and intellectual card game tournaments. Amidst the controversy, Neymar returned to the pitch in a Santos jersey and scored two goals.

In a Campeonato Brasileiro Série A match on Sunday, Santos drew 2-2 against Chapecoense, with Neymar netting both goals for his side.

More significantly, the star forward—who played a mere 35 minutes across just two substitute appearances at the World Cup—completed a full 90 minutes on the field for Santos.

In the 36th minute, Neymar opened the scoring with a soft shot following a neat give-and-go with a teammate inside the opponent's box.

He then celebrated by waving his hands in a gesture mimicking playing poker. Chapecoense subsequently took a 2-1 lead with goals in the 51st and 62nd minutes. Santos had to wait until the 89th minute to equalize; after being awarded a penalty, Neymar calmly converted from the spot to make it 2-2.

Prior to the tournament, Neymar had been desperate to play in what was likely his World Cup swan song. Despite much speculation, he earned a spot in Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad but was limited to roughly 35 minutes off the bench due to fitness complications.

In a match marked by missed opportunities, Brazil fell 2-1 to Norway, with Neymar scoring a late penalty to reduce the deficit.

Following the defeat, he posted a cryptic farewell message, though it remained unclear whether he was retiring from the World Cup or the national team altogether. He then participated in a popular poker tournament in New York, though he did not advance far. Upon returning to Brazil, he courted further controversy by entering another poker championship in São Paulo.

Addressing the backlash, Neymar recently told the media, "I was preparing for my second training session here when I remembered that many people are discussing my poker playing. I worked in the morning, I didn't go to the game, instead I came back to training. I was on my holiday time. Anyway, they are going to talk. I am preparing for training. Can I train, or are you going to keep hounding me like this? Think about your own lives."