Neymar Joins World Series of Poker Following World Cup Exit
Neymar is not letting Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup keep him away from competition in the U.S. this month.
The Santos star entered the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Max event at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, tournament officials announced on Saturday. This Texas Hold’em tournament features a six-player maximum at each table.
The registration occurs less than a week after Brazil’s unexpected loss to Norway in the Round of 16. During that match, Neymar scored his country’s only goal on a stoppage-time penalty. The forward became emotional following the defeat, breaking down in tears before announcing his retirement from international soccer.
Eliminated World Cup players often treat the rest of the tournament as a vacation, though OneFootball notes that the Brazilian league resumes play this Thursday. That schedule includes a road match for Neymar’s club, Santos, against Botafogo.
Santos reportedly granted the 34-year-old Neymar a few extra days off before he returns to his professional duties. He is currently spending that time at the poker tables.