Neymar Scores Spectacular Corner Kick Goal in Santos Victory

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, in his return to Brazilian football, scored a remarkable goal directly from a corner kick in Santos’ 3-0 victory over Internacional de Limeira in the Paulista Championship on Sunday. The goal, his second in six appearances since rejoining his boyhood club, showcased the 33-year-old’s enduring quality after a prolonged period of injury.

The goal, occurring in the 27th minute, silenced the previously boisterous home crowd, some of whom had booed Neymar earlier in the match. The Brazilian curled a left-footed corner kick that deceived Internacional de Limeira goalkeeper Igo Gabriel, striking the far post before nestling in the net. It was a moment of individual brilliance that earned applause even from opposing fans.

Neymar had earlier provided the assist for Santos’ opening goal, delivering a corner kick that Tiquinho Soares converted. Speaking after the match, Neymar explained the sequence of events: “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’ [goal direct from a corner].”

The forward rejoined Santos on a six-month contract in January, seeking to regain form and fitness after injuries limited him to just seven appearances for Al Hilal in the previous 18 months. He appears to be steadily achieving that objective. “I’m going game by game, getting ready and feeling better on the field,” Neymar said. “I’m not going back to being 19 years old… but I feel better and more relaxed.”

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has also set his sights on a return to the national team. He has not featured for Brazil since suffering an ACL knee injury in October 2023. Brazil’s coach, Dorival Junior, is due to announce his squad on March 7 for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia (March 20) and Argentina (March 25).

“Regarding the call-up, I’m there,” Neymar stated confidently. “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.”