Neymar overtook Pele to become Brazil’s all-time leading scorer

Last night was historic for Neymar. The Brazilian star scored two goals in the 5-1 win of the “seleção” against Bolivia, for the World Cup qualifiers for 2026.

Somehow the current Al Hilal player managed to score a special achievement, as he is now the top scorer in Brazilian historysurpassing the late Pele.

The 31-year-old forward he had 77 goals, as many as the “king”and, although he missed a penalty in the 17th minute, he managed to find the way to the opposing net twice and write his name in golden letters in the history of the national team.

Brazil have a new goalscoring king! ??????

Neymar’s 78th goal overtakes Pele as @CBF_Futebol‘s all-time men’s leading scorer. ??#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/EmztniOFMJ

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 9, 2023

Specifically, the moment Neymar went down in the pantheon of history it was in the 61st minute when he scored the 78th goal of his career after 125 appearances with the crest on his chest, raising his arms to the sky, thus paying tribute to his “father”, as he had said years ago about the great Pele .

Neymar’s second goal of the night ?? pic.twitter.com/kdhS1rEXEI

— Neymoleque | Fan ???? (@Neymoleque) September 9, 2023

Pele, who he had passed away in December at the age of 82, he had scored 77 times in 92 appearances between 1957 and 1971, he had referred to this possibility, speaking in the best terms of one of his “children”..

“I never imagined that I would be able to break this record. I mean I’m not a better player than Pele. I always wanted to write my own story, write my name in the history of Brazilian football and the national team and today I did it“, said Neymar after the special for the same moment.

Neymar was presented a special plaque by the CBF for becoming the all time top scorer of the Selecao ??????pic.twitter.com/D6h2FbyqBO

— Neymoleque | Fan ???? (@Neymoleque) September 9, 2023

It is worth noting that the Pele Foundationin memory of the great footballer and man, congratulated the Al Hilal star on his achievement, writing on the X platform: “Congratulations Neymar for surpassing the king in goals with the Brazil National Team in official FIFA games. Surely Pele is applauding you today».

Forever, Meninos da Vila! parabens, @neymarjr, por superar o Rei em gols pela Selecao Brasileira em jogos oficials da FIFA. Com sure Pele esta te applaudindo hoje!
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Meninos da Vila, forever! Congratulations, Neymar Jr, for surpassing the King in goals for the Brazilian… pic.twitter.com/iqU3vQ2EGj

— Pele (@Pele) September 9, 2023