Neymar assures fans he is not injured after clever free-kick goal

Neymar assured Santos and Brazil fans he is not injured after asking to be substituted during a 2-0 win over Bragantino, during which he scored with a cheeky free-kick.

Neymar attempted an audacious shot from a dead ball from a tight angle on the left wing early in Sunday’s Paulista Championship game, squeezing his effort inside the near post.

That was his third goal in his last four games for Santos, having also scored direct from a corner in a victory over Internacional de Limeira one week ago.

However, the Brazil icon caused concern when he asked to be substituted in the 76th minute, appearing to be in discomfort as he held his thigh and received treatment on the bench.

But he subsequently took to Instagram to tell fans: “I’m fine, I felt uncomfortable and thought it was better to spare myself!

“It’s been a while since I played a game with this intensity! I’m so happy to be getting back into my best physical shape! Thank you everyone for the messages.”

Não me acorde desse sonho pic.twitter.com/FbmyEzzI0q

— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) March 3, 2025

Santos will take on either Corinthians or Palmeiras in the semi-finals of the state championship, and Neymar thinks both teams will be worried about facing him.

“Obviously we don’t want to get the strongest teams, but I have to make sure they are more afraid than I am! They are more afraid of me than I am of them,” he told CazeTV.

“Whatever comes, we know it will be a difficult game, but we are prepared for any other team.”