56 days to go…
We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.
Edmilson
Costa Rica v Brazil
Korea/Japan 2002 | Group C
Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon
“Why not?” figured Edmilson as he saw Junior’s cross deflect up in the air behind him. “I’d played the first game, but I’d been left out for the second. When I got the start against Costa Rica, I wanted to make the most of it.”
Edmilson wasn’t accustomed to scoring wonder goals. He wasn’t even accustomed to scoring goals. The 25-year-old had, operating largely as a defensive midfielder, failed to find the target in any competition for Lyon the previous season. Now he was playing at centre-back.
Yet he flung himself in the air and, as he swivelled, volleyed it home exquisitely with his outstretched right leg.
“It was the most beautiful goal of my career,” said Edmilson. “It was the most important too. It cemented my place in the team. I played every minute after that.”
All 360 knockout minutes, that is, of a World Cup-conquering campaign.
