Bengals Celebrate Neymar-Style in Madrid Win
Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase performed a Neymar-inspired touchdown celebration during Cincinnati's Week 9 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Football
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid in Week 9. Quarterback Joe Burrow scored a rushing touchdown early and celebrated by putting both thumbs against his helmet and flapping his hands, a signature celebration of former FC Barcelona forward Neymar.
Why it matters
The Madrid game gave Cincinnati fans a visible moment of team identity as the Bengals prepare for a Week 10 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers that could shape the AFC North race.
Ja'Marr Chase's opening touchdown covered 43 yards, a figure drawn from the game's scoring sequence. The extraction does not include the final score or full statistical breakdown, and the Week 10 outcome against Pittsburgh remains unknown.
The players
Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow is the quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals and the 2019 first overall NFL draft pick who led the team to Super Bowl LVI.
Ja'Marr Chase
Ja'Marr Chase is a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals known for his big-play ability and his 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year season.
Neymar
Neymar is a Brazilian forward who played for FC Barcelona from 2013 through 2017 and is among the most recognizable soccer players in the world.
The details
Chase scored a 43-yard touchdown to open the scoring, and Tee Higgins rushed to the end zone to join the celebration, with Chase waving a towel in front of him as a charging bull. Burrow's rushing touchdown was followed by a Neymar-referenced gesture, and Chase said he and Higgins performed the routine to get the Madrid crowd involved.
Timeline
2013 through 2017: Neymar played for FC Barcelona.
Week 9: Bengals defeated the Falcons in Madrid.
Week 10: Bengals host the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Season Trajectory
The Bengals' Madrid win and the playful celebration extend a season narrative in which a team trying to win the AFC North uses its international game as a stage for fan engagement. A Week 10 home game against the Steelers could decide the division race.
The Week 10 home game against Pittsburgh is the next concrete consequence for division standings and playoff positioning. Fantasy managers tracking Chase and Burrow should watch the matchup for how the offense performs at home.
The takeaway
Team celebrations that draw on a global sports figure can turn a regular-season win into a shared moment with fans. For Bengals supporters, the Madrid game offers a reminder that big-stage games can strengthen connection to the team even on the road.
What happens next
The Bengals host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10, a game that could decide the fate of the AFC North.
Further reading
Follow more Cincinnati Bengals coverage for updates on the team's season.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
