Last weekend, the Brasileirao was the scene of a magical moment at the Estádio São Januário, home of Vasco da Gama. With the club facing relegation, a new signing emerged as a savior, while reviving the legacy of a recently departed legend.
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In the 94th minute of a tense match against América, Vasco da Gama was tied 1-1, and that’s when Dimitri Payet, who arrived at the club in August, turned into a hero. His perfect free kick scored at the very end of the match not only secured the crucial three points, lifting the club out of the relegation zone, but also transported the fans in a wave of emotion, evoking a deeply meaningful comparison.
¡ESTÁS LOCO, PAYET! 🤯🇫🇷🎯#VivaJogoBonito I @VascodaGama 💢 pic.twitter.com/i7xeh206eQ
— Brasileirão Play (@BrasileiraoPlay) November 12, 2023
An emotional comparison: The reminder of Dinamite’s last free kick
The similarity between Payet’s saving kick and that of the last scored by club legend Roberto Dinamite was immediately noticed by supporters and the club itself, especially as it was scored against the same team. Dinamite, who died at the start of 2023, was an absolute club legend who scored more than 650 goals for Vasco da Gama between 1971 and 1993.
On social networks, the historic club from the city of Rio shared why the symbolism of this feat went beyond the simple sporting gesture to touch the hearts of the supporters: “Last goal from a Dinamite free kick for Vasco, scored against a team called America. It was that of Três Rios… And yesterday’s goal… A whole context and energy there. The same number 10 jersey. Impossible not to be moved.
Dos mistérios da vida…♥️💢
Último gol de falta do Dina pelo Vasco, marcado diante de um time chamado América. Esse era o de Três Rios…
E o gol de ontem… Todo um contexto e energia ali.
A mesma camisa 10.
Não tem como não se emocionar. 🥺#VascoDaGama pic.twitter.com/OXQvxd1fWa
— Vasco da Gama (@VascodaGama) November 13, 2023
”More than just a game”
The comparison between the two moments, highlighting the same position on the pitch, the same jersey number, against the same team, and above all, the emotion released, evoked a wave of nostalgia among the supporters. Payet’s free kick appeared to be more than just a goal; it was a tribute, a connection with the soul of Dinamite.
Some even say that one of Dinamite’s daughters asked her father to “ go down and mark this one ” as the Frenchman took off. An anecdote which reinforces the exceptional character of this moment and which testifies to the deep belief in a spiritual connection between the past and the present.
During the celebration of his liberating free kick, Payet proudly pointed to the “Dinamite” brand on Vasco’s jersey, declaring: “It’s me!”. This symbolic act also demonstrates the player’s understanding of the historical importance of this moment and his respect for the legacy left by the club legend.
Respeito pela história do clube! 💢
Após golaço de falta que garantiu a vitória aos 48 minutos do segundo tempo, Payet aponta para a imagem do ídolo Roberto Dinamite na camisa do Vasco
👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/tvKfIcNhyJ
— ge (@geglobo) November 12, 2023
Thus, Payet’s free kick was not simply a winning goal, but a moment that transcended sport, connecting generations of Vasco da Gama supporters in collective emotion, reviving the spirit of Dinamite and also inscribing this moment in the rich and emotional history of the club.
“More than just a game” has never been more true.
Samba Gold 2023: Open voting!
Voting for the Samba Gold Award 2023 is now open. Choose your favorite in the men’s, women’s and under-20 categories!
