5 of the best Neymar goals

Modified Mar 26, 2017 05:55 GMT

Neymar has the ability to do the unthinkable with the ball at his feet

#1 Santos vs Flamengo – Brasileirao 2011

There never was going to be another number one, was there? Neymar won the FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal in 2011, beating off Wayne Rooney’s overhead kick and Lionel Messi’s audacious chip. While playing for Santos, the Brazilian went on a brilliant solo run that started after the keeper booted the ball towards the center.

The Brazilian began by beating two defenders before knocking the ball forward towards the striker who simply returned it to the 19-year-old. Neymar then proceeded to muscle off his marker, outrageously beating the helpless defender (his last obstacle) before simply placing the ball in the back of the net, ignoring the fact that two defenders were charging him down from either side with the intention of taking him out.

In the end, he was awarded the FIFA Puskas for the most aesthetically significant and most beautiful goal of the year (or so Wikipedia says). But the cherry on the top was the fact that all this happened in front of Ronaldinho, a footballing great in his own way.

About the author

Football is and always will be the beautiful game. What every child understands, yet every adult struggles to, is that it is a game that defines the nature of the universe. But that's just me.

Know More

Edited by Staff Editor