Neymar has surpassed Pele as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with two goals in a 5-1 win over Bolivia.
The 31-year-old attacker, who was tied with Pele for the most goals in World Cup qualifying, missed a penalty before scoring twice in the second half on his 125th appearance.
“I never imagined I’d break this record. “I’m no better than Pele or any other national team player,” he remarked.
Marta has a Brazilian women’s team record of 122 goals in 189 matches.
Pele, who died in December at the age of 82, scored 77 goals in 92 matches from 1957 to 1971. He was largely recognized as one of the best footballers of all time.
His official account on the social networking platform X praised Neymar’s accomplishment.
“Congratulations, Neymar, on surpassing the King of Brazil’s goals. “I’m sure Pele is cheering you on today! it said.
According to Brazil coach Fernando Diniz, “he came to do what he did: have fun, score two goals, and break the record.”
When Neymar joined Paris St-Germain from Barcelona for £200 million in 2017, he became the world’s most expensive player.
He left the French club in the summer to join Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
“He is a huge idol, and people must recognize and accept him,” Diniz remarked.
In other news, Uruguay began their South American qualification campaign with a 3-1 victory over Chile under their new coach, former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa.
