Breaking Records: Neymar Surpasses Pelé as Top Scorer in Brazilian Soccer History

2023-09-09 03:33:08

Neymar surpassed the legendary Pelé as the top scorer in the history of the Brazilian soccer team by scoring two goals against Bolivia (5-1), Friday in Belem in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

By scoring 4-0 in favor of Brazil in the 61st minute, then 5-1 in stoppage time (90th + 3), Neymar has 79 goals to his credit in 125 matches, compared to 77 goals for “O Rei” during his 92 matches between 1957 and 1971.

Striker Marta (122 goals in 189 matches), of the women’s team, remains the top scorer of the two selections.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, alias Pelé, who died on December 29, 2022 at the age of 82, scored 95 goals in 113 appearances for the national team. This figure, which includes goals scored in friendly matches between the Seleção and clubs or official Brazilian state teams, is recognized by the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF), but not by FIFA.

Pelé, widely considered the best soccer player in history, remains the only player to have won three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970) and maintains the best goals per match average (0.84, compared to 0. 63 for Neymar).

Neymar, 31, joined Saudi club Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in August. He was called up for the matches against Bolivia and Peru (Tuesday in Lima) after missing three friendly matches due to injury.

“Pelé is unanimously the king of soccer. Imagine beating someone like him…,” Neymar said during a press conference on Thursday. “It will be a unique brand and this goal will be dedicated to everyone who helped me. »

The Brazilian star equaled Pelé’s record on December 9, in the quarter-final of the World Cup in Qatar, by scoring against Croatia.

From his hospital bed, less than three weeks before his death, Pelé congratulated him.

“Your legacy is far from over. Continue to inspire us. I will continue to punch the air with happiness for every goal you score,” he wrote on Instagram.