Brazilian forward Neymar Jr. has surpassed Pele to become the all-time leading goal scorer for the Brazilian national men’s soccer team. Neymar achieved this milestone after scoring a brace in Brazil’s recent victory over Bolivia.
The match took place at the Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz, Bolivia, as part of the South American qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Neymar’s goals helped secure a 2-0 win for Brazil, further solidifying their position at the top of the qualifying group.
With these two goals, Neymar now has a total of 69 international goals, surpassing the previous record set by Pele, who had scored 77 goals for Brazil during his illustrious career. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star accomplished this feat in just 113 appearances for the national team, while Pele played 92 matches to reach his record.
Neymar’s first goal came in the 16th minute of the game when he converted a penalty kick. He then added another goal in the 66th minute, securing his place in Brazilian soccer history. The 29-year-old celebrated his achievement with his teammates, who congratulated him on this remarkable accomplishment.
This record-breaking moment comes as no surprise considering Neymar’s consistent performances for both club and country. Known for his exceptional skills, speed, and creativity on the field, Neymar has been a key player for Brazil since making his debut in 2010. He has represented his country in major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and the Copa America, helping Brazil win the latter in 2019.
Neymar’s success extends beyond the national team, as he has also made a significant impact at the club level. After starting his professional career with Santos FC in Brazil, he moved to Barcelona in 2013, where he formed a formidable attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. During his time at Barcelona, Neymar won numerous titles, including the UEFA Champions League.
In 2017, Neymar made a high-profile transfer to PSG for a world-record fee of €222 million. Since then, he has continued to excel, leading the club to domestic success and consistently performing at the highest level in European competitions.
As Neymar continues to add to his goal tally, it is clear that he is not only one of Brazil’s greatest players but also one of the most prolific goal scorers in international soccer history. With his talent, dedication, and passion for the game, Neymar is poised to achieve even greater milestones in the future.
