Corinthians’ eccentric goalkeeper went viral with his genius decision to let a free-kick into his goal… but it’s not his first wacky moment – and even Tom Brady’s a big fan!

Corinthians’ eccentric goalkeeper Cassio Ramos made headlines for his quick-thinking antics this week – but it’s not the first wacky moment of his career.  

Last Thursday, Corinthians goalkeeper Cassio produced a remarkable display of quick-thinking during his side’s draw with Atletico Mineiro in Brazil’s Serie A.

With the game level at 1-1 with 15 minutes to go, Mineiro were awarded a free-kick midway inside the Corinthians half and the ball was clipped in towards goal.

Cassio looked set to gather the ball, but at the last second jumped out of the way to let it go straight into his goal.

It was a truly bizarre moment but, in the end, a moment of genius from Cassio. It was an indirect free-kick – signaled by the referee by raising his hand above his head – and no one else had touched the ball other than the taker. An indirect free kick is awarded for a foul that is given without physical contact being made on a player.

The Brazilian shotstopper deliberately let a free-kick go straight into his goal during the game

Indirect free-kick rules forbid one player from shooting directly at goal. Instead, two players must have touched the ball before the team taking it are able to score. 

As a result of the ball being left to go into the net, Cassio’s team reclaimed the ball with him restarting the game with a goal kick, rather than Mineiro being allowed to take it again.

It proved to be the latest viral chapter in Cassio’s career – which has seen him draw plenty of attention – both wanted and unwanted. 

One eye-catching incident saw Cassio avoid a red card, when he charged out of his goals to take out an opposition player back in 2021.

During Corinthians’ 1-0 win over Gremio, Cassio escaped with booking for his moment of madness – much to the disbelief of opposition players.

Such was their incredulity, Diego Souza took the yellow card from the referee and stormed off with it, insisting the only card he should possibly be showing was red. The fact Souza was let off with no punishment suggests there may have been merit in his arguement.

Meanwhile, a sheepish Cassio slinked off back to his goalline, lucky to still be on the pitch. 

He wasn’t so lucky on another occasion against Palmeiras however – where he received a second bookable offence for timewasting. Incredibly, the it was in just the 11th minute of the second-half.

Opposition fans, as well as players and referees, have been wound up by his actions, to the extent he was attacked by a pitch invader during a cup victory away at Santos.

Footage showed Cassio oblivious to a Santos supporter steaming up behind him as he left the pitch. Security and Santos players eventually came to the keepers rescue after the individual launched a kick at the shot-stopper. 

All the attention has come at a price. In April last year, Corinthians asked police for protection for their No 1, after he received a death threat following a Copa Libertadores defeat in Bolivia. 

The message had been sent to his wife via social media, following a shock 2-0 defeat at the hands of Always Ready.  

Aside from the wacky antics on the pitch, one of his most impressive accolades is drawing praise from NFL legend Tom Brady.

Cassio’s wife, Janara Sackl, received a death threat aimed at the goalkeeper following Corinthians’ Copa Libertadores defeat in Bolivia

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 goalkeeper a message, where he said: ‘Cassio, my brother! Number 12 for Corinthians. I know you’re a NY Giants fan – I’m sorry to hear about that. 

‘But listen, I’m excited for your incredible milestone. 603 matches for Corinthians is unbelievable and the most for a goalkeeper. 

‘We number 12’s are out there proving our longevity. And I know that you know a lot about defence and I know a little about offence – we’d make a great pair. 

NFL legend Tom Brady sent a message to Cassio to congratulate him on his appearance record

The 36-year-old goalkeeper has a tendency to attract chaos while on the football pitch 

‘So congrats on your commitment on defending the goal for Corinthians. It’s truly legendary, way to go, congratulations and best of 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 Dutch Cup.

Since then, he has lifted the Club World Cup in 2012, won Serie A twice and was part of the Brazil squad that won the Copa America in 2019.

For his individual performances in the 2012 Club World Cup, Cassio was awarded the Golden Ball and was elected as Most Valuable Player of the final.

He has made a staggering 609 appearances for Corinthians, which places him second on their all-time appearances list

He has made a staggering 609 appearances for Corinthians, which places him second on their all-time appearances list. 

On the international scene, Cassio has won the 2019 Copa América after being included as part of Brazil’s winning squad.

Since making his international debut back in 2012, Cassio has been included in the Brazil first-team squad on 24 occasions but has only made one appearance. 

It came during an international friendly back in 2017, after he replaced Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson during their 3-1 victory over Japan.