Neymar silences critics with stunning 'gol olímpico' after provoking crowd in Santos' 3-0 victory

Neymar Jr. showcased his exceptional talent and flair in Santos FC's commanding 3-0 victory over Inter de Limeira in the Paulistão tournament. The Brazilian star directly engaged with the home crowd's hostility, turning jeers into admiration with a stunning performance.

Early in the first half, Neymar provided a precise assist to Tiquinho Soares, opening the scoring in the ninth minute. Shortly thereafter, as he approached the corner flag amidst boos from the home supporters, Neymar theatrically cupped his hand to his ear, encouraging the crowd to increase their jeers. In a remarkable response, he delivered a masterful corner kick that curled directly into the net, a feat known as a "gol olímpico." 

Following this, Neymar continued to dominate the field, providing another assist to Tiquinho Soares, who secured his second goal of the evening. This performance underscores Neymar's pivotal role in Santos' advancement to the quarter-finals of the Paulistão. Despite facing criticism upon his return to Brazilian football, Neymar's recent displays highlight his enduring quality and importance to the team. 

This match also held personal significance, as it pitted Neymar against Márcio Fernandes, the coach who granted him his professional debut at Santos.