5 most important goals in Neymar's career so far

Neymar is already considered among the best players in the world. In the 2017 FIFA player of the year award, The Best, the Brazilian finished third, just behind Real Madrid and Barcelona stars, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, respectively. The Paris Saint-Germain ace has already achieved a lot in world football, despite still being in his mid-twenties.

From deciding trophies at club level to doing it with Brazil's national team, Neymar has banged plenty of screamers throughout the course of his career. In this article, we take a look at the 5 most important goals that the Seleção attacker has so far scored for club, and country:

---

#5 Against Atlético Madrid, 2013 Spanish Supercup final:

Neymar scored a crucial goal against Atlético Madrid in the Spanish Supercup final in 2013

Neymar left Santos to join FC Barcelona in a mega-money transfer in summer 2013, so it was normal that the expectations were extremely high, considering that he was labelled as the biggest talent in Brazil.

In his first official game for the Catalans, in the Spanish Supercup final, Neymar was up against a very tenacious Atlético Madrid side which would end up as La Liga champions and UEFA Champions League finalist, that season.

Barça failed to create enough opportunities against Diego Simeone's organized defence, but Dani Alves was able to deliver a superb cross to Neymar, as he smashed the ball into the back of Courtois' net.

In Lionel Messi's absence, Neymar did enough to secure Barcelona a precious away goal. The game would result in a 1-1 draw, whereas the second leg ended goal-less at Camp Nou, meaning that the Brazilian's header was sufficient to clinch the title

You cannot ask for more as a 21-year old on your first official game for one of the biggest clubs in the world. Neymar had the dream start to his Barcelona career. It is interesting that he has now scored from a header on his debuts for Santos, Brazil's national team and Barcelona.

However, the rule was broken by his debut-goal for Paris Saint Germain, which came from a right-footed finish.

#4 Against Paris Saint-Germain, 2017 Champions League quarter-final:

Neymar guided Barcelona to a recovery against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain stunned the whole world as they outclassed FC Barcelona following a 4-0 victory at the Parc des Princes in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final earlier this year.

The Catalans looked absolutely clueless in that game, as their defensive structure was extremely unorganized, whereas they failed to create enough goal-scoring chances to make up for it.

At that moment, it seemed that a comeback was completely ruled out - not just because of the scoreline, but essentially because of the gap in terms of quality between both sides, that was highlighted during the match.

However, one man who believed in the miracle was Neymar. His well-placed free kick in the second half signalled the beginning of the historical Remontada, as he would go on to score a penalty, followed by a spectacular last-gasp assist to set up Sergi Roberto.

The 6-1 victory would mean that Barça had knocked the French giants out against all odds. One man who will never forget this game, nor his outstanding performance, is certainly Neymar JR.

#3 Against Spain, 2013 Confederations Cup final:

Neymar scored an amazing left-footed shot as Brazil beat Spain in the Confederations Cup final

Spain's national team has dominated national football in between 2008 and 2012, having conquered two Euros, along with the FIFA World Cup, in South Africa, in 2010, in between.

So it was normal that the Spaniards were the favourites, as the long-awaited clash between the Seleção and La Furia Roja approached. The legendary Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro, hosted the most anticipated fixture at that time, for the final of the 2013 Confederations Cup.

Neymar had just completed his transfer from Santos to FC Barcelona, but most of the European crowd was not familiar with his footballing abilities. Showing his quality against one of the highest ranked teams at that time, was the perfect occasion for the 21-year old.

The Brazilian would effectively go on to have one of his best performances ever, ending up as the man of the match after terrorizing the Spanish defence throughout the game. In what was perhaps the most eye-catching moment of the night, Neymar would exchange passes with Oscar and intelligently beat the offside trap before smashing the ball at full power.

Iker Casillas could only watch, as Brazil doubled their lead and would end the game with a convincing 3-0 victory.

#2 Against Peñarol, 2011 Copa Libertadores final:

Neymar and Ganso lift the 2011 Libertadores trophy after guiding Santos to the title

Neymar had received a lot of hype from Brazilian media in between 2010 and 2011, but following his failure to deliver with Brazil in the 2011 Copa América, the criticism as to whether he was really worth all that media attention started to rise.

There was no better way of responding to criticism, than by helping Santos win their first Copa Libertadores title since the glorious Pelé days. There was no better way to end a campaign where Neymar had already scored 5 goals, than for him to add a 6th one that would eventually secure the title.

Despite the first leg ending in a goalless draw in Uruguay, Neymar gave Santos the lead in the return leg, before Danilo eventually doubled it. Peñarol would manage to reduce the score with a precious away goal, as the game ended 2-1 for the home side.

Neymar had a marvellous campaign in the most prestigious tournament in South American football, which signalled the rise of he who would be recognized later, as one of the top three players in world football.

It is worth saying that the Brazilian has also managed to win the UEFA Champions League in 2015, following his transfer to FC Barcelona, which means that he has now achieved glory in the biggest two club competitions in Europe and South America, respectively.

#1 Against Germany, 2016 Summer Olympics final:

Neymar scores a free kick against Germany in the Olympics final

Neymar has scored a contingent of important goals throughout his career, namely his solo against Flamengo in the Brazilian league, which won him the Puskas award for being the most beautiful goal in 2011.

However, one goal that stands out on top of the list, has to be his breathtaking free kick against Germany, in the final of the Olympic games in 2016. And for many reasons.

Neymar had to choose between representing Brazil in either the Copa América or the Olympic games in 2016, as Barcelona had firmly stated that they would not allow him to compete in both.

The Brazilian football federation, in collaboration with the player, chose the Olympics. After the humiliation against Germany in 2014, Brazil could not afford to suffer another embarrassment on home soil, especially when it comes to a competition that the country had never won throughout its glorious history.

Neymar's free-kick warranted Brazil extra time against Germany. But 120 minutes could not separate the two giants, so the Brazilian once again proved to be decisive, by scoring the last penalty which would win his country the gold medal.

Notably, Brazil's trophy cabinet is now officially complete, having won every single tournament organized by FIFA, and Neymar has been a significant influence in a number of these achievements.