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 so spectacular that even the opposition fans couldn’t help but cheer.
Let’s set the scene: it’s the 27th minute of the match, and Neymar steps up to take a corner kick from the left side. With a deft touch, he curls the ball in such a way that it catches the rival goalkeeper, Igo Gabriel, completely off guard. The ball gracefully arcs towards the far post, kisses it, and then nestles into the back of the net. It’s a goal that will be replayed countless times, a testament to Neymar’s enduring magic on the field.
Interestingly, Neymar’s relationship with the home crowd was a bit rocky earlier in the match. He had been booed after assisting Tiquinho Soares from the same corner for the game’s opening goal. But Neymar, ever the showman, had a response ready. “I went to take the corner, they provoked me,” he explained after the game. “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].” And score he did, marking his first “Olympic goal”—a goal scored directly from a corner kick.
This goal was Neymar’s second in six appearances since his much-anticipated return to his boyhood club, Santos, in January. After a challenging period with injuries that limited him to just seven appearances for his former club, Al Hilal, over 18 months, Neymar signed a six-month contract with Santos. His aim? To rediscover his form and reignite his career.
“I’m going game by game, getting ready and feeling better on the field,” Neymar shared on Sunday. “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 not just focused on club success. He has his sights set on a return to the Brazilian national team, especially with the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Neymar has not featured for Brazil since sustaining an ACL knee injury in October 2023, but he is eager to don the national colors once more.
Brazil’s coach, Dorival Junior, is set to announce the squad on March 7 for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Colombia on March 20 and Argentina on March 25. Neymar is hopeful about his inclusion. “Regarding the call-up, I’m there,” he said. “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.”
It’s worth noting that Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, a record that speaks volumes about his impact on the international stage.
- Neymar’s goal was his first “Olympic goal”—a goal scored directly from a corner.
- He has scored two goals in six appearances since returning to Santos.
- Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals.
As Neymar continues to work his way back to peak form, fans around the world will be watching closely. His journey is a testament to resilience and the undying passion for the beautiful game. Whether it’s scoring from a corner or dazzling with his dribbling skills, Neymar remains a player who can change the course of a match in an instant. And as he aims for a return to the national team, one thing is clear: Neymar’s story is far from over.
Originally Written by: Adriana Garcia
