Neymar Jr. is one of the biggest names in football. Since the player came into the public eye, he has made people fall in love with him. The Brazilian superstar recently left Europe and made a move to the Saudi Pro League, joining the reigning champions Al-Hilal. Though many thought that this was the end of his career, Neymar Jr. has just proved to everyone that he still has a lot left in him.
The 31-year-old recently broke the record for the most international goals scored by a Brazilian. On September 9, Brazil faced Bolivia in the World Cup Qualifiers where Neymar made history, breaking the record previously held by one of football’s all-time greats.
Neymar surpasses legend Pele to become Brazil’s highest scorer
After leaving Europe, Neymar’s club career was thought to be at its end. But, the 31-year-old still has a lot to show, and he just proved that in the World Cup Qualifier match against Bolivia. He went into the match tied up with Pele both the players had 77 international goals to their name. The veteran attacker then scored a brace in the match, bringing his number up to 79 and becoming Brazil’s all-time top scorer.
Neymar overtakes Pele as Brazil’s top male goalscorer.
His brace against Bolivia means he now has 79 Brazil goals, two more than Pele.🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/RQctlb2Cs1
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) September 9, 2023
Neymar had the perfect opportunity to gloat, but the player stayed humble saying that he is not better than Pele: “I never imagined reaching this record. I’m no better than Pele or any other player for the national team,” he said. Pele’s official Twitter account also congratulated him, saying “Congratulations Neymar for surpassing the King in goals for Brazil. Surely Pele is applauding you today!”
Para sempre, Meninos da Vila! Parabéns, @neymarjr, por superar o Rei em gols pela Seleção Brasileira em jogos oficiais da FIFA. Com certeza Pelé está te aplaudindo 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— Pelé (@Pele) September 9, 2023
Neymar scored twice to help Brazil comfortably defeat Bolivia
Brazil’s match against Bolivia turned out to be a child’s play for them. Bolivia rarely got to touch the ball as Brazil enjoyed 80% of the overall possession. The first opportunity to break the deadlock presented itself in the 15th minute when defender Jusino committed a handball. Neymar stepped up to take the penalty but Bolivian keeper Viscarra was able to make a save.
The next goal came soon after when Rodrygo scored in the 24th minute. Brazil found their second and third goal in the 53rd and 47th minutes scored by Rodrygo and Raphinha respectively.
Brazil was already 3-0 up when Neymar scored his record-breaking goal in the 61st minute. With that goal, he wrote his name in the history books but that was not enough. He curled another one in the net from 24 yards in the 80th minute. He now sits at the top of the Brazilian goal-scoring chart and this is a moment of celebration for him, his family and the country.
Has Neymar made the right decision moving to the Saudin League? Share your opinions with us in the comments.
