Neymar Breaks Pelé’s Record To Become Brazil’s Top scorer
Brazilian star Neymar has surpassed the legendary Pelé as the all-time leading scorer for the national team after scoring two goals in a World Cup qualifier against Bolivia on Friday.
Neymar, who plays for Al-Hilal in Qatar, netted his 78th and 79th goals for Brazil in a 5-1 victory in Belém, overtaking Pelé’s tally of 77 goals in official matches for the Seleção.
The record-breaking goal came in the 61st minute, when Neymar tapped in a low cross from close range and celebrated with a punch in the air, as Pelé used to do. He added another goal in injury time, after missing a penalty earlier in the game.
“I am very happy, no words for this,” Neymar said after receiving a plaque from the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, Ednaldo Rodrigues. “I never thought I would reach this record.”
Neymar’s achievement was also recognized by Pelé’s Foundation, which congratulated him on social media. “Surely Pelé is applauding you today!” the foundation said.
Pelé, who died from cancer last December at the age of 82, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He won three World Cups with Brazil and scored 95 goals in 114 matches, according to the Brazilian Football Confederation. However, FIFA does not count some of his goals that were scored in friendlies against clubs.
Neymar, who is 31 years old, has played 108 matches for Brazil and has won an Olympic gold medal and a Confederations Cup. He is also the fourth-highest scorer in World Cup history with 19 goals.
“I want to say that this (the record) doesn’t mean I am better than him (Pelé) or than any national team player,” Neymar said. “I always wanted to write my story in the national team, and today I did that.”
Neymar’s return to the national team was welcomed by Brazil’s new coach Fernando Diniz, who praised him as “a great hero”.
“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,” Diniz said.
Brazil is currently leading the South American qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup with four wins out of four matches. The next game is against Colombia on Tuesday.
