Brazil were eliminated in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Neymar Jr. is now spending time away from football following the failure of the Hexa mission. Before returning for the new club season, the Brazilian legend participated in an international poker tournament in Las Vegas, USA — but had to leave without any winnings.
Neymar entered the $10,000 main event of the poker tournament, and several videos of his appearance went viral on social media. This is not his first time at the poker table — he also participated in a tournament in 2015 and reached the final table on that occasion.
However, Neymar was unable to replicate his earlier magic this time around. The 34-year-old star was eliminated on the very first day of the tournament.
Neymar’s poker appearance came shortly after Brazil’s World Cup exit. The Seleção were knocked out in the round of 16 on July 5, losing 2-1 to Erling Haaland’s Norway.
Brazil’s campaign at this year’s World Cup was a mixed one. They drew 1-1 with Morocco in their opening group match before defeating Haiti and Scotland 3-0 to top Group C and advance to the knockout stage. In the round of 32, they defeated Japan 2-1 before their tournament ended with a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the round of 16.
Neymar came on as a substitute in the 68th minute against Norway and scored Brazil’s final goal of the tournament from the penalty spot in injury time. He was only able to appear as a substitute in two matches throughout the tournament, having entered the World Cup carrying a right calf injury.
On the day of Brazil’s elimination, Neymar announced his retirement from international football. He leaves as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, with 80 goals in 129 appearances. His one enduring regret, however, is that despite participating in four World Cups, he has had to return home empty-handed every time.
Despite retiring from international football, Neymar continues to play club football. For the past two seasons, he has been representing Santos — the Brazilian Serie A club from which he first rose to global prominence — back in his home country.
