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After Brazil’s disappointing early exit from the 2026 World Cup, football superstar Neymar has quickly turned his attention to another competitive arena — the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

The 34-year-old Brazilian forward was seen taking part in the prestigious World Series of Poker (WSOP) just days after Brazil’s elimination at the hands of Norway. Swapping the football pitch for the poker table, Neymar was among the competitors at the $10,000 main event held in Las Vegas on Saturday night. The appearance marked his latest venture into professional poker, having previously reached the final table in the 2025 edition of the same tournament, as reported by Fox Sports.

This time, however, fortune was not on his side. Despite his earlier success in Nevada, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker was unable to progress beyond Day 1 of the competition. His swift exit from the poker tournament mirrored his nation’s premature departure from the World Cup, ending his summer on another note of disappointment.

Neymar’s appearance at the WSOP came shortly after a major turning point in his football career. Following Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway in the round of 16 on July 5, he announced his retirement from international football. The decision concluded a remarkable yet often turbulent international career spanning four World Cups, during which he became Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer.

In what proved to be his final World Cup, Neymar’s participation was limited by a right calf injury. He featured in only two games, both as a substitute. His last contribution in Brazil’s iconic yellow jersey came via a stoppage-time penalty against Norway — a consolation goal, as Erling Haaland’s side advanced to the quarter-finals.

Neymar’s passion for poker has long been known, though it has also drawn criticism from fans and club officials alike. Earlier this year, while playing for Santos, he was accused of spending close to 24 hours in an online poker session while unavailable for a league match. The incident ignited debate across Brazil about his commitment to football, particularly as Santos struggled near the bottom of the Serie A table.

Addressing previous criticism, Neymar has remained open about his leisure choices. He once explained to the media, “Unfortunately, these past few days, due to load management, I haven’t been able to play, so I’ve had this time to do what I enjoy most, which is playing a little poker, besides football.”

While Neymar’s off-field pursuits often make headlines, his contribution to football remains extraordinary. Across his career with Santos, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al-Hilal, he has amassed 457 goals and 262 assists at club level. Internationally, he retires with 80 goals in 129 appearances for Brazil — an astonishing record that cements his place among the greats.

As Neymar now looks to the next phase of his club career with Santos, discussions will persist about his lasting legacy. Some view his poker fascination as evidence of a career that never fully maximised its immense potential, while others see it as the natural evolution of a modern icon choosing to live life on his own terms as he transitions beyond the football field.