Generate me a news article talking about the best goalscorer who got sold to China later after. This is Felipe Neto, a Brazilian player who started playing in 2001. He was doing well at Santos, scoring 44 goals and almost all of them were outside the box.
**Title: Felipe Neto: The Legendary Goalscorer’s Journey to China and Beyond**
**Date: October 15, 2023**
**By: Sports Correspondent**
In the world of football, few players have left as indelible a mark as Felipe Neto, the Brazilian sensation who captivated fans and critics alike with his spectacular striking ability and unique style. Starting his illustrious career in 2001 at Santos FC, Neto quickly established himself as a formidable forward, netting an impressive 44 goals—most of which came from outside the box, a testament to his exceptional skill and powerful shooting. With his Faux Hawk haircut, striking brown eyes, and clean-shaven face, Neto captured the imagination of the footballing world long before his star began to soar internationally.
A year after making waves in Brazil, Felipe caught the eye of Argentine coach Héctor Cúper, who brought him to Inter Milan in 2002. The young striker didn’t disappoint. In his tenure at the Italian giants, Neto scored a remarkable 51 goals. His performances helped the team secure the prestigious World Cup title, solidifying his place amongst football's elite. Fans and pundits alike began comparing him to the legendary Ronaldo Nazário, a title that came with immense pressure but one that he wore with pride.
In 2005, a new chapter began as Neymar made the bold switch to Real Madrid to play as a center midfielder. This transition allowed Neto to flex his creative muscles, culminating in 46 goals during his stint with Los Blancos—one of which is famously remembered for being struck with such ferocity that it left teammate Esteban dazed, earning him the nickname “The Facebreaker.” His achievements on the pitch saw him finish third in the prestigious Ballon d'Or voting and win the Champions League three times, marking him as one of the most successful players of his generation.
The drive for further adventure led Felipe Neto to England, as he signed with Manchester United in 2009. Renamed "Felipiho" by the adoring Manchester faithful, he continued his scoring spree, netting 55 goals—surprisingly, none of which came from inside the penalty area. His remarkable efforts helped the Red Devils claim the Premier League title four times, along with another Champions League trophy and a coveted Copa America title. The pinnacle of his career came when he finally captured the Ballon d'Or, solidifying his status as one of football's most electrifying talents.
However, the footballing fairytale took a sudden twist in 2014 when Dutch manager Louis van Gaal made the controversial decision to sell Neto to Shandong Taishan in China. Many viewed this move as the end of his peak years, but Neto proved his doubters wrong. At 34 years old and now playing as a left-back, he continued to defy age with 36 stunning goals. Fans delighted in the statistic that he faced AC Milan 24 times and scored an astonishing 27 goals against some of the best defenders in the game, showcasing his relentless appetite for goal-scoring.
After an impressive career that spanned over two decades, Felipe Neto retired in 2023 at the age of 43. In his final season, he remarkably netted 21 goals, with only four of them inside the box, further indicating his flair for long-range strikes. As the Brazilian fans gathered to bid farewell to their hero, they unanimously crowned him the best Brazilian player of all time—a fitting tribute to a player whose legacy will forever resonate in the annals of football history.
Felipe Neto's journey from the beaches of Brazil to the grandest stages of world football serves as a reminder of the magic of the beautiful game. While his chapter in China may have been unexpected, it merely added to the rich tapestry of a career marked by ambition, resilience, and unparalleled talent.