By Victor Kanayo
Despite shock exit from the ongoing 2022 World Cup, Brazil forward Neymar Friday equalled Pele’s record as the all-time male top scorer for their country with 77 goals.
Coming into the 2022 World Cup, Neymar knew that as he was on 75 international goals for Brazil, two goals would equal Pele and three would see him past him out right.
After missing two games in the group stages due to injury, Neymar returned in the last 16 as Brazil thrashed South Korea 4-1, with Neymar scoring once.
And now he has his 77th goal, coming against Croatia during the quarter-final match at the 2022 World Cup. Brazil would go on to lose the match 4-2 on penalties after Dominik Livakovic had levelled late on in extra-time.
The PSG forward has speculated that this will most likely be his last World Cup, even though he will be only 34 when the 2026 World Cup in America, Mexico and Canada rolls around.
Pele is currently in hospital in Brazil recovering from a respiratory infection, he has said he is doing well and is enjoying watching Brazil at the 2022 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Neymar has dropped a big hint that he could consider pulling out of the Brazil national team.
Neymar who spoke after his country was eliminated from the mundial by Croatia in the quarter-final after the game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes said, “Honestly, I do not know. I think talking now is bad because of the heat of the moment. Maybe I’m not thinking straight.
“To say that this is the end would be rushing myself, but I don’t guarantee anything either.
“I want to take this time to think about it. I will not close the door to playing with Brazil, nor do I say 100% that I’ll come back.”
