Jogo Bonito is back. Again.
Neymar is back from the injury that kept him off the pitches of Qatar for Brazil's remaining couple of group stage matches.
After much speculation over his presence, Brazil's No. 10 started and scored a penalty in a marvelous 4-1 victory over South Korea in the Round of 16.
Cold as ice.
Neymar scores in first game back from injury
NEYMAR MAKES IT TWO
Brazil has a 2-0 lead and we're only 13 minutes into the match pic.twitter.com/xIRuiBXc9x— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 5, 2022
This goal was Neymar’s first in Qatar and his eighth across all three of the World Cups he’s participated in.
The penalty put him as one of the only three Brazilians — next to Pelé and Ronaldo — that've been able to score in three different World Cups.
Neymar is the third Brazilian man to score at three different World Cups, after Pele and Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/nCdDegqaLd
— GOAL (@goal) December 5, 2022
However, even after hitting this milestone, the 30-year-old is still looking to break a record he’s had his eyes since before even landing in Qatar.
Neymar is one goal away from tying Pelé’s goal-scoring record
Neymar’s goal against South Korea was his 76th for the national team, leaving him only a goal away from tying the great Pelé’s all-time scoring record for Brazil.
The chosen one.
Neymar moves one off the Brazilian men's record. pic.twitter.com/sX0uF1sA8i
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) December 5, 2022
Although he fell short on his return to the pitch, the Brazilian will have another opportunity in the verde e amarela’s quarterfinal match against Croatia on Friday. It’s only a matter of time.
Brazil doesn't forget Pelé
Brazil and Neymar took the end of the match to send a message of support to their greatest legend, who has been dealing with health issues for the past week.
"Vida longa ao rei."
Neymar brought out a Pele banner after the win against South Korea ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8xvdO9i7a2
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 5, 2022
Now, let’s hope we see Neymar score another before the end of the tournament, allowing the current No. 10 to equal Brazil’s greatest-ever with a World Cup goal celebration that pays tribute to the king of soccer.
