Brazilian star Neymar Jr. has passed Pele’s goal tally and is now Brazil’s all-time men’s top goal scorer. This is after the former Barcelona star scored a brace against Bolivia in the South America World Cup Qualifiers yesterday.
According to reports, Neymar has surpassed Pele as he has now scored 79 goals for his nation. The late Santos star scored 77 goals for Brazil in 92 appearances between 1957 and 1971. He unfortunately passed away in December last year at the age of 82.
Neymar passed Pele’s goal tally and is now Brazil’s all-time men’s top goal scorer 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/Jc5eRFhGFE
— GOAL (@goal) September 9, 2023
Fans are really excited as the Brazilian star broke this long-standing record. Many even took to social media to express their feelings. One fan said, “After Messi and Ronaldo, Neymar is the GOAT.” Another fan wrote, “Fairs to Neymar but Pele will not like that wherever he is.” And a third fan said, “Neymar carrying Brazil in the 2024 Copa to solidify his International Legacy.”
This performance of Neymar has boosted the hopes of the fans. They now think that the former Paris-Saint-Germain star might be getting back to his form after a bad phase in his career.
Brazil is set to face Peru on September 13 in the next fixture of the South America World Cup Qualifiers. It is to be seen if Neymar continues to be in the same form.
Neymar Jr. sends an emotional message to Pele after breaking his record
Al-Hilal’s new summer signing Neymar Jr. sent an emotional message to Pele after breaking the Brazil legend’s all-time goal-scoring record for the country. After thrashing Bolivia 5-1 on Friday night in Brazil’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, the former Barca star posted a message on his social media.
Talking about his new achievement to ESPN, the former PSG forward said, “I never imagined reaching this record. I want to say that I am not a better player than Pele. I always wanted to make my own story and write my name in the history of Brazilian football and the national team. And today I did that.”
Neymar doing Pele’s celebration as soon as he broke his record 🥹
with the caption: “For you KING” pic.twitter.com/d8j8P0XT28— Sh (@sha92fc) September 9, 2023
Ever since he made his national team debut against the United States of America in a 2-0 victory back in 2010, Neymar has recorded a stunning 125 caps for Brazil. So far, he’s bagged 79 goals and 59 assists in all international competitions.
In the past, Pele recorded 77 goals and 32 assists in 92 appearances for his country. Even though he left us all last December, the three-time World Cup winner will fondly be remembered for his contributions to the beautiful game.