Neymar Defends Playing at BSOP While Santos Manage His Return

Overview

• Neymar did not travel with Santos to the Copa Sul-Americana match in Venezuela and instead attended BSOP Winter events in São Paulo on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 21–22.
• He was eliminated from a R$25,000 Invitational and later from a R$10,000 High Roller after re‑buying, with reports saying he did not cash in either event.
• Santos says Neymar has followed an individualized training program since rejoining the club on July 17 and the coaching staff expects him to be available for the league match against Chapecoense on July 25.
• Public criticism followed his social posts — including a ‘life is a joke’ photo — and Neymar replied on social media that he trained that morning and told critics, ‘Vai cuidar da sua vida.’
• Coaches plan to manage his minutes because Santos sits close to the relegation zone and Neymar is returning from post‑World Cup rest and a recent calf issue that shaped his reintegration plan.