Neymar, 31, has surpassed Pele, who passed away last December. He became Brazil’s all-time leading scorer for the men’s national soccer team with 79 goals in 125 caps.
Brazil got off to a flying start on Monday morning (Sept. 9) with a 5-1 home win over Bolivia in Belém in the first round of South American qualifying for the 2026 North and Central American World Cup, with goals from Rodrigo (24th minute, 8th minute), Hapinha (2nd minute) and Neymar (16th minute, 3rd minute of stoppage time).
Neymar was tied with Pele, who scored 77 goals for the Brazilian national team between 1957 and 1971.
“I never imagined I would reach this record,” Neymar said after the game. I want to say that I am not a better number than Pele, I always wanted to create my own story, I wanted to write my name in the history of Brazilian football and the national team, and today I did it,” Neymar said after the game.
Pele’s foundation took to social media to congratulate him, writing, “Congratulations, Neymar Jr. on surpassing the king’s goal record for the Brazilian national team in an official FIFA match. I’m sure Pele is applauding you today,” congratulating him on the record.
Pele, who led Brazil to three World Cup titles (1958, 1962, and 1970), died of cancer on Dec. 29 of last year at the age of 82 in São Paulo, Brazil.
Hodrigo, who scored two goals on the day, said: “Neymar is my great hero. He will remain in my memory. It was a very special day,” he said. 먹튀검증
Fernando Diniz, the new head coach of the Brazilian national team, said: “Neymar is a great hero. People should recognize and accept that. He doesn’t do anything to earn this adoration from the crowd. It’s because of the natural talent he has.”
Meanwhile, Brazilian women’s national team forward Marta holds the record for most goals in A matches in Brazilian soccer history with 115 goals in 171 A matches.