Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar Jr. has been the face of Brazilian football for over a decade. The 30-year-old joined an elite category by scoring against South Korea Monday in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
After missing the last two group stage matches after suffering an ankle injury in the Brazil-Serbia matchup, Neymar returned to Tite’s starting 11 for the knockout stage and converted a penalty kick opportunity.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior had opened the scoring with a delightfully-taken right-footed curling effort.
Brazil were then awarded a penalty and Neymar did not disappoint after stepping up.
In what could be his last ever World Cup, the 30-year-old calmly strolled up to the ball and caressed it beyond Kim Seung-gyu.
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OptaJoao pointed out on Twitter that Neymar’s goal put him into an elite category with two other legendary players.
The PSG star has become the third Brazilian player to score in three different editions of the World Cup, alongside Ronaldo and Pelé.
The veteran forward might hope that not playing two games has him fresh for the knockout stage, as it’s where the Seleção will need him the most.
Brazil is heading to the quarterfinals, where Croatia awaits them after defeating Japan in penalty kicks.
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