Eccentric Corinthians goalkeeper Cassio Ramos made headlines this week for his quick-thinking antics, but it is not the first crazy moment of his career.
Last Thursday, Corinthians goalkeeper Cassio put on a remarkable display of quick thinking during his side’s draw against Atletico Mineiro in the Brazilian Serie A.
With 15 minutes to go the level of play was 1-1. Mineiro was awarded a free kick halfway through Corinthians’ half and the ball was clicked towards goal.
Cassio looked ready to take the ball, but at the last moment he jumped aside to let it go straight into his goal.
It was a truly bizarre moment, but ultimately a moment of genius from Cassio. It was an indirect free kick and no one else had touched the ball except the taker.
Corinthians’ Cassio produced a remarkable display of quick thinking during his side’s draw
The Brazilian shot-stopper deliberately let a free kick go straight into his goal during the match
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It turned out to be the final viral chapter in Cassio’s career, attracting a lot of attention, both wanted and unwanted.
In one notable incident, Cassio dodged a red card when he stormed out of his goals to clear an opponent in 2021.
During Corinthians’ 1-0 win over Gremio, Cassio escaped with a booking for his moment of madness – much to the disbelief of the opponents.
Such was their disbelief that Diego Souza took the referee’s yellow card and stormed off with it, insisting the only card he might have to show was red. The fact that Souza was released without punishment suggests that there may have been merit in his argument.
Meanwhile, a sheepish Cassio crept back to his goal line, happy to still be on the field.
However, he was not so lucky on another occasion against Palmeiras, where he was given a second bookable offense for wasting time. Incredibly, this didn’t happen until the 11th minute of the second half.
Opposition fans, as well as players and referees, have been fascinated by his actions, to the extent that he was attacked by a pitch invader during a cup win away to Santos.
Footage showed Cassio unaware of a Santos supporter following him as he left the field. Security and Santos players eventually came to the aid of the goalkeepers after the individual launched a kick at the shot stopper.
All attention has a price. In April last year, Corinthians asked police for protection for their number 1 after he received a death threat following a Copa Libertadores defeat in Bolivia.
The message was sent to his wife via social media after a shock 2-0 defeat to Always Ready.
Aside from the crazy antics on the field, one of his most impressive accolades is the praise of NFL legend Tom Brady.
Brady, who recently bought a minority stake in Birmingham City football club, once said about Cassio: ‘He is one of the best goalkeepers in history, incredible at saving penalties. It looks like a wall. It’s very difficult for the ball to pass him.”
The former New England Patriots quarterback also once sent the goalie a message, true he said: ‘Cassio, my brother! Number 12 for Corinthians. I know you’re a fan of the NY Giants. I’m sorry to hear that.
“But listen, I’m excited about your incredible milestone. 603 games for Corinthians is incredible and the most for a goalkeeper.
‘We number 12 are there and prove our longevity. And I know you know a lot about defense, and I know a little about offense. We would make a great couple.
NFL legend Tom Brady sent a message to Cassio to congratulate him on his performance
The 36-year-old goalkeeper has a tendency to attract chaos on the football field
“So congratulations on your efforts in defending the goal for Corinthians. It’s truly legendary, well done, congratulations and good luck for the rest of the season.”
The 36-year-old shot-stopper has spent the last 12 years at Corinthians after returning from PSV Eindhoven, where he won the Eredivisie and the Dutch Cup.
Since then, he has won the Club World Cup in 2012, won the Serie A twice and was part of the Brazil squad that won the Copa America in 2019.
For his individual performances at the 2012 Club World Cup, Cassio was awarded the Golden Ball and was voted Most Valuable Player of the final.
He has made an impressive 609 appearances for Corinthians, placing him second on their all-time list
He has made an impressive 609 appearances for Corinthians, placing him second on their all-time list.
On the international front, Cassio won the 2019 Copa América after being part of Brazil’s winning squad.
Since his international debut in 2012, Cassio has made 24 appearances in the Brazilian first team, but has only featured once.
It happened during an international friendly in 2017, after he replaced Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson during their 3-1 win over Japan.