Video: Neymar turns poker controversy into theatrical celebration after scoring for Santos
Abdullateef Fowewe
Neymar Jr has answered recent criticism over his off-field lifestyle in emphatic, theatrical fashion late Saturday, scoring twice and producing a string of extravagant celebrations as Santos drew 2-2 with Chapecoense at Vila Belmiro.
The former Brazil star opened the scoring in the 36th minute, converting a fine chance to put the home side ahead.
Chapecoense, rock bottom of the league, levelled through Marcinho and then briefly went in front via an own goal before Neymar stepped up with a late penalty in the 89th minute to salvage a point for Santos.
Following his opener and again after the penalty, Neymar performed flamboyant routines that quickly went viral.
Cameras captured the 31-year-old sprinting to the corner flag, miming a golf putt by swinging the flagstick like a club and punctuating celebrations with exaggerated gestures that merged on-field showmanship and off-field persona.
Those actions were widely read as a tongue-in-cheek rebuttal to recent headlines about Neymar’s heavy involvement in high-stakes online poker.
In the weeks since Brazil’s exit at the 2026 World Cup, the forward has faced intense scrutiny over reports that he spent prolonged periods in multi-day online poker sessions including one reported 24-hour stint and took part in the World Series of Poker.
Critics have questioned whether those activities undermine his fitness and professionalism; supporters say his play remains decisive.
“This was Neymar being Neymar,” a Santos source said after the match.
“He knows how to draw attention, and tonight he wanted to celebrate in his own way.”
