31-year-old Neymar overtakes Peles record for the most goals made after he made two goals in Brazils 3-1 win over Bolivia.
The goals were made during a World Cup qualifying match. He had gone into the match tied with tennis legend Pele at 77 goals. He scored twice in the second half of the match after missing a penalty shot earlier.
“I never imagined reaching this record. I’m no better than Pele or any other player for the national team,” he said.
Pele, a football legend, scored 77 goals in 92 appearances for Brazil. He died in December last year at the age of 82.
Peles Platform X account paid tribute to Neymars achievement.
Para sempre, Meninos da Vila! Parabns, @neymarjr, por superar o Rei em gols pela Seleo Brasileira em jogos oficiais da FIFA. Com certeza Pel est te aplaudindo hoje!
— Pel (@Pele) September 9, 2023
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Meninos da Vila, forever! Congratulations, Neymar Jr, for surpassing the King in goals for the Brazilian pic.twitter.com/iqU3vQ2EGj
The tweet said:
“Congratulations Neymar for surpassing the King in goals for Brazil. Surely Pele is applauding you today!” it said.
Brazilian coach Fernando Diniz also honored Neymar saying:
“He came to do what he did: have fun, score two goals and break the record.”
In 2017, Neymar made headlines when he became the most expensive player in the world when he joined Paris St-Germain for 200 million Euros.