New Delhi: Brazil superstar Neymar extended his strong start to his second spell at Santos FC with a stunning goal direct from free-kick in their 3-0 win over Inter de Limeira in the 12th round of the Campeonato Paulista, the state football league of Sao Paulo.
The playmaker scored the ‘Olympic goal’, the first of his professional career, in the 27th minute after assisting the first goal scored by Tiquinho Soares through a corner in the eighth minute.
While going to take up the corner from which he scored, Neymar was provoked by home fans of Inter with loud boss, which possibly motivated him further.
NEYMAR REALLY HIT AN OLÍMPICO.
🤯🤯🤯
(via @TNTSportsBR)pic.twitter.com/JRW5pAGDYT
— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 23, 2025
Before taking the free-kick that sailed over the goalkeeper and nestled into the net after hitting the inside of the far post, the 33-year-old urged the fans to shout louder, gesturing with his hands.
He celebrated his goal by turning towards the crowd and taunting them as Santos went 2-0 ahead. Five minutes after that wonder strike Neymar helped in setting up his team’s third and final goal.
He took a corner that was put inside the net with a powerful header by Soares, thereby providing two assists from corner kicks, having scored in between them.
Suarez reacts
Neymar’s former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarz reacted to the special goal on social media. “He writes history. He is the Prince of the Village,” Santos wrote on their official X account alongside a photo of him sitting on top of the advertising boards after scoring.
Suarez shared an encouraging message, posting an emoji blowing air, while commenting on Santos’ post. Neymar develped a close friendship with Suarez and Lionel Messi at Barcelona.
Since his return to boyhood club Santos from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal in the January transfer window, Neymar now netted two times in three matches as he continues his return on the pitch after a year away due to a knee injury for which he had to undergo surgery.
Neymar scored the ‘Olympic goal’, the first of his professional career, in the 27th minute in a 3-0 win for Santos FC Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
