Neymar hits brace on Santos return, fires back at critics with poker celebration

Neymar made a dramatic return to club football for Santos, scoring twice and responding to recent criticism with a poker-inspired celebration during a 2-2 draw against Chapecoense at Vila Belmiro.

The 34-year-old forward featured for Santos for the first time in more than two months after recovering from a calf injury and returning from Brazil’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. His comeback came amid criticism from sections of the Brazilian media following reports that he participated in a poker tournament while his teammates were involved in a Copa Sudamericana fixture.

Neymar responded to the controversy on the pitch, delivering a match-winning performance that saw him score both goals for Santos and send a message to his critics.

The Brazilian opened the scoring in the 36th minute after linking up with Álvaro Barreal before calmly placing the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Instead of celebrating in his usual style, Neymar ran toward the sideline and mimicked dealing playing cards, a gesture widely interpreted as a response to criticism over his poker involvement.

Speaking after the match, Neymar defended his actions, explaining that he had completed his training duties before taking part in the tournament.

“People have come out and keep talking about the fact that I play poker. I did my morning training. I did not go to the match because I had just started training. The next day was my day off,” Neymar said.

However, Santos were unable to maintain their advantage as Chapecoense mounted a second-half comeback. Marcinho equalised in the 51st minute before Santos defender João Ananias inadvertently scored an own goal in the 62nd minute, handing Chapecoense a 2-1 lead.

With Santos heading toward a disappointing home defeat, Neymar once again became the difference-maker. A late foul on Gustavo Caballero inside the penalty area earned Santos a penalty in the 88th minute, and Neymar stepped up to convert from the spot in the 89th minute, securing a crucial point for his team.

The draw leaves Santos in 14th place in the Brazilian Série A standings, just one point above the relegation zone as the club continues its battle for survival.

Since returning to Santos, Neymar has contributed six goals and two assists in nine league appearances, reaffirming his importance to the team despite injury setbacks and continued scrutiny over his off-field activities.