Neymar plays poker as Lula calls for a robot

Neymar at the poker table, Lula wants a robot

Another day, another headline that has nothing to do with rebuilding. Neymar was spotted playing a poker tournament in the aftermath of Brazil's round-of-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup. The image crystallizes the post-tournament drift: no clear tactical direction, no emotional reset, just a star player and a card table.

Lula da Silva did not hold back. The president called the squad's behavior shameful and, with the kind of line only a head of state can deliver, suggested Carlo Ancelotti recruit an aggressive robot to win the 2030 World Cup. Ancelotti remains in charge for now, but the scrutiny is total.

Ronaldo has gone public urging Neymar not to retire from international duty. He praised the forward's sacrifice during the 2026 campaign. Whether Neymar listens or keeps dealing cards is an open question. Former star Denilson weighed in too, criticizing players for failing to connect emotionally with fans.

Léo Pereira, one of the few squad members who stayed in the United States after the elimination, posted personal news instead of addressing the performance. The void speaks loudly. Commentators Caio Ribeiro and Felipe Melo have both questioned whether this Brazil side has any identity at all.

Fan-reaktioner

Brazil fans are finding dark humor in the chaos. One Reddit thread resurfaced Maradona's "holy water" scandal from the 1990 World Cup, a story of alleged gamesmanship that Argentina's legend laughed about for years. Another post notes a strange World Cup pattern: since 1994, the team that loses the third-place match almost always saw their semifinal conqueror lift the trophy. The subtext is clear: fans are looking backwards because the present offers little to hold onto.

Maradona's holy water scandal • The third-place curse pattern