Neymar’s Magical Return: A Corner Kick to Remember
Adriana Garcia
Feb 24, 2025, 04:57 AM ET
In the world of football, few players can captivate an audience quite like Neymar. The Brazilian superstar, known for his flair and creativity on the pitch, reminded everyone of his extraordinary talent with a stunning goal directly from a corner kick for Santos on Sunday. This moment of brilliance came during Santos’ 3-0 victory over Internacional de Limeira in the Paulista Championship, and it was a goal that even drew applause from the opposing fans.
Let’s set the scene: It’s the 27th minute of the match, and Neymar steps up to take a corner kick. With a deft touch, he curls the ball from the left side, catching the rival goalkeeper, Igo Gabriel, completely off guard. The ball gracefully arcs through the air, kisses the far post, and nestles into the back of the net. The crowd erupts, and even the home fans can’t help but cheer for the sheer audacity and skill of the strike.
But this wasn’t just any goal; it was Neymar’s first “Olympic goal”—a term used when a player scores directly from a corner kick. Reflecting on the moment, Neymar shared, “I went to take the corner, they provoked me. I asked them to sing louder, I struck the ball and got an assist. Then, the second time I went there [to the corner], they did it again, so I thought to myself: ‘Now I’m the one who’s going to score the goal’ [laughs]. I hit a great shot and managed to score my first ‘Olympic goal’.”
For Neymar, this goal was more than just a highlight reel moment. It marked his second goal in six appearances since returning to his boyhood club, Santos, in January. After a challenging period plagued by injuries, which limited him to just seven appearances for his former club, Al Hilal, Neymar signed a six-month contract with Santos to rediscover his form and passion for the game.
As Neymar himself put it, “I’m going game by game, getting ready and feeling better on the field. I’m not going back to being 19 years old, how much I miss it, but I feel better and more relaxed.” At 33, Neymar is on a mission to prove that he still has plenty to offer, both for his club and his country.
Speaking of his country, Neymar has his sights set on a return to the Brazilian national team. He hasn’t featured for Brazil since sustaining an ACL knee injury in October 2023, but with the upcoming World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, Neymar is eager to don the famous yellow jersey once again. Brazil coach Dorival Junior is set to announce his squad on March 7 for the qualifiers against Colombia (March 20) and Argentina (March 25).
Neymar expressed his desire to return to the national team, saying, “Regarding the call-up, I’m there. Each player’s desire is to defend the country, and for me, it has always been an honour. I dedicated myself to the team to the fullest. I enjoy being there, representing Brazil. If I have the opportunity to return, I will be very happy.”
As Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, Neymar’s potential return to the national team is eagerly anticipated by fans and pundits alike. His ability to change the course of a game with a single moment of magic is something that Brazil will undoubtedly welcome as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
- Neymar’s first “Olympic goal” was scored directly from a corner kick.
- He has scored two goals in six appearances since returning to Santos.
- Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals.
- Brazil’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers are against Colombia and Argentina.
In conclusion, Neymar’s recent performance is a testament to his enduring talent and determination. As he continues to regain his form, fans around the world will be watching closely, hoping for more moments of brilliance from this footballing icon.
Originally Written by: Adriana Garcia
