With two goals in a 5-1 victory over Bolivia, Neymar has surpassed Pele as the greatest scorer among Brazilian men overall.
Neymar, the 31-year-old attacker, scored the goal that gave him the record for most goals scored by a Brazilian player with 78 in the 61st minute of a World Cup qualifying game against Bolivia in the Amazonian city of Belém on his 125th appearance. He missed a penalty but that didn't stop him from scoring twice.
After receiving a low cross inside the penalty area, Neymar finished accurately and closely from close range to set a new record. As Pelé would have done, he raised his fist in victory.
After receiving a plaque from the Brazilian president, Neymar made a few quick remarks to the media, saying, "I am very happy, no words for this."
"I never thought I would break this record. I am no better than Pele or any other national team player, he declared.
For Brazil's women's squad, Marta has scored a record 122 goals in 189 games.
Between 1957 and 1971, Pele, who passed away in December at the age of 82, scored 77 goals in 92 games. He was largely recognized as one of the best football players to have ever suited up.
His official X social media account praised Neymar for his accomplishments.
"Congratulations to Neymar for outscoring the King for Brazil in goals. You must have Pele's approval today, it exclaimed. He came to do what he did: have fun, score two goals, and break the record," Brazil coach Fernando Diniz said.
In 2017, Neymar spent £200 million to go from Barcelona to Paris St. Germain, making him the most expensive player in the world.
He left the French squad in the summer to sign with Al-Hilal of the Saudi Pro League.
He is a huge idol, so people need to acknowledge and accept him, said Diniz.
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With two goals in a 5-1 victory over Bolivia, Neymar has surpassed Pele as the greatest scorer among Brazilian men overall.
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