By Victor Kanayo
Neymar Jr. is now Brazil’s top goal scorer in history, surpassing late Pele unbeaten record ever.
This was after former PSG star netted two goals as Brazil thrashed Bolivia 5-1 at home in their 2026 World Cup qualifying opener on Friday.
Before the game, Neymar had 77 goals, but his latest feat took his tally to 79.
Neymar Class After Initial Slip
Neymar, 31, who recently joined Saudi side Al Hilal, only bounced back after missing a penalty in the first half of the encounter.
He then scored two goals in the 61st and 93rd minutes to become the country’s all-time top scorer.
Thereafter, Neymar 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, write my name in the history of Brazilian football and the national team. And today I did that.”
Surprisingly, an official account of the late Brazil soccer legend Pele wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter wrote, “Congratulations Neymar for surpassing the King in goals for Brazil. Surely Pele is applauding you today!”
Neymar, who has been recovering from an ankle injury he suffered in February, has not played for Brazil since the 2022 World Cup.
Neymar is set to play for Brazil again when the team takes on Peru in its next qualifying game Tuesday.
Rodrygo With Another Brace
Real Madrid’s Rodrygo also scored a brace.
He opened scoring in the 24th minute and got his second in the 52nd off a great through ball from Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes for 3-0.
Raphinha, who replaced Antony in the Brazilian squad, scored to make it 2-0 in the opening seconds of the second half with a shot at the far post after picking up Neymar’s pass in the edge of the box.
