Neto

A set-piece specialist, in Brazil Neto is commonly considered to be one of the greatest free kick takers ever, and one of the best Brazilian players of the early 1990s. A versatile midfielder, he was capable of playing in several offensive midfield positions, but was usually deployed as an attacking midfielder behind the forwards, due to his technique, range of passing, and excellent playmaking skills; he was also occasionally used as a second striker or as a winger. In addition to being known for his accuracy from dead ball situations, he was also noted for his precise long passing, and his ability to act as a leader for his teammates on the field.

In 1989 Neto played for Palmeiras and was subsequently transferred to Corinthians, where he remained for a good part of his career, wearing club's the number 10 shirt, and becoming an idol with the club's fans in the beginning of the nineties. With his precise passing game and strong personality, he was the key player during the 1990 National Championship in Brazil, when Corinthians won the finals against São Paulo.

Neto was a member of the Brazilian under-23 team that won a bronze medal at the 1983 Pan American Games. Following his performances in the São Paulo State Championship throughout the season, in 1988, Neto was named to the Brazilian national team that went to Seoul to play in the Summer Olympic Games. In the final against the Soviet Union, Neto helped set up Romário's opening goal of the match from a corner-kick, however, the Soviets came from behind to defeat Brazil 2–1 in extra-time to capture the gold medal. Neto was later also included in the Brazilian squad that finished second in the 1991 Copa América in Chile; under manager Falcão, he was named the team's captain, and wore the number 10 shirt throughout the tournament. He scored his only goal of the competition from a penalty in a 2–1 win over Bolivia on 9 July, in the first round group stage. In total, he made 26 appearances for Brazil at international level between 1988 and 1993, scoring 7 goals; 9 of his appearances came with the Olympic youth side, and 16 with the senior team, including one appearance and one goal in an unofficial friendly.

Neto began his football career very early in life, playing for Campinas-based team Guarani at youth level, before being promoted to the senior side. In the mid-1980s he also played for Bangu (in Rio de Janeiro) and São Paulo, before returning to Guarani once again. In 1988, he brought more attention upon himself by scoring a goal from a bicycle-kick in the São Paulo State Championship finals against Corinthians.

José Ferreira Neto (born 9 September 1966 in Santo Antônio de Posse, São Paulo), commonly known as Neto, after his retirement, is a Brazilian former football player, and currently a football commentator for Rede Bandeirantes. An attacking midfielder, he played 470 games and scored 184 goals in his entire career.