PSG defeated Lille 2-0 on Sunday to go 10 points clear of Marseille at the top of the Ligue 1 table. Both of the goals were scored by Neymar — the first a sensational effort from the top of the box and the second from the penalty spot — who celebrated his brace by paying tribute to Kobe Bryant. Bryant, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, were involved in a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of everyone on board.
Neymar opened the scoring in the 28th minute after exchanging passes with Marco Verratti at the top of the area before curling an effort into the top corner.
GOAL FOR PSG!
It's a superb goal for Neymar as he gets his 14th goal of the league campaign and puts PSG up 1-0.#LOSCPSG LIVE NOW
CONNECT 5 https://t.co/LRYa03w6yI pic.twitter.com/fEko2GyV46— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) January 26, 2020
PSG was then awarded a penalty for handball in the 52nd minute and Neymar converted from the spot for his 15th goal in 14 Ligue 1 appearances this season.
NEYMAR MAKES IT !
It's a second goal for @PSG_English and a second goal for the Brazilian as he scores from a penalty early in the second half.#LOSCPSG LIVE NOW
CONNECT 5 https://t.co/LRYa03w6yI pic.twitter.com/6j2BbLOc1d— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) January 26, 2020
He celebrated the goal by paying tribute to Bryant’s jersey number 24.
Following his goal, Neymar pays tribute to Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/uT1qCTg6Nq
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) January 26, 2020
@neymarjr pays tribute to the late @kobebryant with his celebration following his penalty pic.twitter.com/6PVxTGDr5H
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) January 26, 2020
“I saw the messages on social media at halftime,” said Neymar. “It’s a big sadness for the world of sport and for all of us, not just basketball fans. I knew him and I did this celebration for him. I hope he will rest in peace.”
Both Neymar and teammate Kylian Mbappé paid homage to Bryant on Twitter after the game.
Dia triste pra nós dos esporte, pra nós fãs e principalmente pra família e amigos de kobe. Com suas mãos se fez lenda, obrigado por exaltar o esporte Kobe... que Deus conforte o coração de sua família e amigos #ripkobebryant #24 pic.twitter.com/QPjIy7Fhou
— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) January 26, 2020
RIP LEGEND ... pic.twitter.com/kEQ99cRohO
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) January 26, 2020
PSG returns to action on Wednesday in the French Cup Round of 16.
