Neymar Responds To Jeering International Limeira Fans By Scoring Olimpico

Neymar showed he still has plenty of magic left after a long injury layoff by scoring a fantastic goal directly from a corner for Santos on Sunday.

The impressive strike he made in the 27th minute during Santos’ 3-0 victory over Internacional de Limeira in the Paulista Championship earned him cheers even from the opposing fans.

The Brazilian star curled in a corner kick from the left that caught rival goalkeeper Igo Gabriel off guard and hit the far post before going in.

Earlier in the match, Neymar faced boos from the home crowd after providing an assist to Tiquinho Soares from the same corner for the game’s opening goal.

“I went to take the corner, they provoked me,” Neymar said 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].

“I hit a great shot and managed to score my first “Olympic goal” [goal direct from a corner].”

It was Neymar’s second goal in six appearances since returning to boyhood club Santos in January.

Neymar has signed a six-month contract with Santos in a bid to regain his form, having made only seven appearances for his previous club, Al Hilal, over the past 18 months due to injuries.

“I’m going game by game, getting ready and feeling better on the field,” Neymar said on Sunday.

“I’m not going back to being 19 years old, how much I miss it, but I feel better and more relaxed.”

The 33-year-old, who has not featured for Brazil since sustaining an ACL knee injury in October 2023, is targeting a return to the national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers

Brazil coach, Dorival Junior, is set to name his squad on March 7 for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, at home to Colombia (March 20) and away to Argentina (March 25).

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

Neymar holds the record as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, having scored 79 goals.