Neymar has overtaken Pele as Brazil’s all-time goalscorer for the men’s national team after his brace in a 5-1 win over Bolivia.
The Al-Hilal forward scored a brace as Brazil thrashed Bolivia 5-1 to take his goal tally to 79 goals in 125 appearances for his country.
Pele, who died of cancer in December 2023, managed to score 77 goals in 92 matches – the highest before Neymar overtook him.
Women’s team attacker, Marta, currently holds the record for most goals, scoring 122 goals in 189 matches for Brazil.
Speaking on his record-breaking feat, Neymar said: “Very happy. I have no words, I have never imagined reaching this record.”
“I want to make clear that it’s not because I surpassed Pele that I am better than him or any other player of the national team,” Neymar Added
“I always wanted to make my history, write my name in the history of Brazilian football and in the national team. Today, I did it.”
“To my family – that is far away – and to all my teammates here, I thank you all,” he concluded.
Real Madrid star Rodrygo scored a brace in the match alongside Raphinha which put Brazil in control of the match.
Then the record-breaking star, Neymar, added a brace in the match to seal it up for Brazil as they comfortably won the match.
The Match was Brazil’s first qualifier for the 2026 World Cup and they currently sit on top of their group, thanks to Neymar, Rodrygo, and Raphinha’s goals.
Brazil coach, speaking on the feat, said: “He came to do what he did: have fun, score two goals and break the record.”
Pelé’s Foundation did acknowledge the milestone set by the Brazilian football star via social media.
Their statement read: “Congratulations, Neymar Jr, for surpassing the King in goals for the Brazilian National Team in official FIFA matches.”
“Surely Pelé is applauding you today!” the statement which was shared on all their social media platforms in their native language read.
Real Madrid star, Rodrygo, who also scored two goals against Bolivia, also revealed that he is a huge fan of Neymar.
Rodrygo said: “Neymar is very much a hero of mine, this will be in my memory, this was a very special day.”
New Brazil coach Fernando Diniz also added why the attacker came to play for Brazil, saying: “to score goals, break records, show that he is very much willing to live this [with the national team.]”
“He is a great hero,” Diniz added. “People have to recognize it and accept it. He doesn’t do anything to get this adoration he gets from the crowd, it is because of the natural talent he has.”
The last match Neymar played for Brazil was against Croatia in the quarterfinal of the 2022 FIFA World Cup which they lost.
That Brought about doubts that Neymar will continue with the Brazil national team especially when he did not play in Selecao’s first three games this year.
Neymar Jr
Neymar da Silva Santos Junior, better known by his field name Neymar, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays forward for both the Brazil national team and Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain. He was born on February 5, 1992.
He is globally known as one of the top players in the world because he is a prolific goal scorer and well-known playmaker.
Neymar has at least 100 goals for three separate clubs and will be looking to do same after his high-profile move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
