Perhaps nothing captures the drama of Brazilian football as vividly as the moments when the stands swing from rapture to disbelief. In the clash with Internacional, Santos fans lived through exactly such a minute: the team came within touching distance of a comeback, and its brightest star—Neymar—celebrated a non-existent goal with such fervor that a corner flag and the forward’s reputation were the ultimate victims.
Santos on the Brink: Hope in Added Time
By the 90th minute the hosts were trailing 0–2, and any chance of salvation seemed lost. Yet at 90+1 Barreal rose above everyone and smashed the ball under the bar, reigniting the contest. The stadium erupted—supporters fighting for survival believed again in an equalizer.
The Shot, the Line, and an Illusory Goal
Three minutes later Neymar received the ball on the edge of the box, drifted left, and unleashed a rocket toward the far corner. The keeper, grazing it with his fingertips, diverted it onto the post. The ball skidded along the goal-line and came to rest under his hand without fully crossing. For Neymar, though, that instant was enough: he was convinced the score was 2–2.
A Broken Flag and an Emotional Storm
Without waiting for the referee’s signal, Ney sprinted toward the fan section, slid on his knees across the turf, pounded his chest, and in the heat of the moment snapped the corner flag in two. Cameras caught his radiant smile before the forward realized his joy was premature.
The Flip Side of Euphoria
When he turned back to the pitch and saw play continuing, the smile dissolved into bewilderment. Neymar spread his arms in disbelief, sank to the grass, but no nod came from the bench or the referee—the goal did not count. The final whistle found him by the post: a spat with defenders morphed into a heated exchange with a fan who had rushed to the barrier.
A Season Marked by a Shortage of Minutes
Neymar’s homecoming so far resembles a series interrupted by constant pauses. The forward has played barely a third of the available time; injuries, rehabilitation, and a silly handball suspension knocked him out of rhythm. After 15 rounds he has only one goal and one assist to show.
Club Faith and the High Price of Salvation
Despite the modest stats, the parties extended the contract through the end of the year with an option to prolong it. The striker’s salary remains hefty—around €700 000 per month—an undeniable luxury for a side sitting 17th and in danger of dropping back to Série B. Now Santos needs tangible points more than emotional shows—and supporters expect them from Neymar.
