WATCH: Neymar Jr. overtakes Pele as Brazil’s all-time top scorer with an amazing goal against Bolivia

Brazil won 5-1 against Bolivia.

WATCH: Neymar Jr. overtakes Pele as Brazil’s all-time top scorer with an amazing goal against Bolivia

Neymar (L) Pele (R) (via Sporting News & Medium)

Weeks after making his move to Saudi Club Al Hilal, Neymar has made headlines again following the game against Bolivia. The 31-year-old has been the star man for the Brazilian National team for the greater part of the last decade, at the heart of their attack. The prolific winger has now achieved yet another milestone with the Selecao, becoming their all-time top scorer with 79 goals.

Neymar overtook one of the greats, Pele– regarded by many as the Greatest Footballer of all time. The Late Brazilian legend held the record with 77 goals for the nation. But Neymar respectfully dethrones the legend off his perch. The 31-year-old last featured for the National team back in December 2022, in the World Cup quarterfinal against Croatia, after which the player’s future with the team was in doubt, hinting at retirement. However, in his first appearance in over 7 months, the Al Hilal star broke Pele’s record, netting twice against Bolivia.

YouTube video

Neymar got on the end of a low cross and finished deftly from close range in the 61st minute. His second goal in the game and 79th in Brazil’s shirt came late in injury time. Later on, Neymar expressed his delight in breaking Pele’s record and said that he was out of words. Brazil’s Football Federation attributes 95 goals in 114 matches, but this is not recognized by FIFA since this includes National Team friendlies against clubs as well. Following the game, Neymar said that this achievement made him realize his dream of ‘writing his own story with the National team’.

FS Video

Neymar also said that the record did not mean that he was better than Pele, or any other player in the National team. The Pele Foundation acknowledged the player’s achievement as well, congratulating him for surpassing “the king” in goals for Brazil in official FIFA matches. Neymar attained the feat in 125 outings. Brazil opened their World Cup Qualification campaign in spectacular fashion, winning 5-1 against visitors Bolivia.

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Brazil kick off their Qualification Campaign against Bolivia

Brazil players vs. Bolivia
Brazil players vs. Bolivia (Via Diario AS)

5 time World Cup Winners Brazil had a brilliant start to their 2026 World Cup Qualification campaign against Bolivia. In a game that saw Neymar Jr. become the all-time highest goalscorer for Brazil overtaking Pele, the home side demolished the visitors 5-1 at the Estádio Estadual Jornalista Edgar Augusto Proença. Both Neymar and Rodrygo scored braces while Barcelona winger Raphinha also added to his tally.

After missing a penalty in the 17th minute, Neymar made up for the miss with 2 goals, one in the 61st minute and the other deep into extra time. Real Madrid winger Rodrygo also shone brilliantly in the absence of Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian scores twice, once in the 24th minute and the other, six minutes into the second half. Raphinha also scores for the Selecao, netting just 2 minutes into the second half.

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