Neymar beats Pele's record to become Brazil's all-time top goal scorer

Neymar went past Pele as Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer with two second-half goals in a 5-1 win over Bolivia in 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Friday. Neymar, 31, was level on 77 goals with Pele coming into the fixture. He had a glorious opportunity to take the lead in the 17th minute when Brazil were awarded a penalty.

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

But his spot-kick was easily saved by Bolivia keeper Guillermo Viscarra to keep the game goalless. Neymar’s moment to enter the history books came in the 61st minute as he pounced on a loose ball inside the box and tucked away his 78th goal in his 125th game for Brazil - raising his hands and his gaze to the skies.

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Victor Abrego pulled a goal back for Bolivia, bustling through a disorganized Brazil backline before blasting an unstoppable shot past Ederson.

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

— Ginga Bonito 🇧🇷 (@GingaBonitoHub) September 9, 2023

Neymar extended his record tally, connecting with a low ball from Raphinha in stoppage time to complete the victory and a memorable night for the forward. Pele, who passed away in December aged 82, scored 77 goals for Brazil in 92 appearances between 1957 and 1971. The win was the perfect start for new coach Fernando Diniz, who took over from Tite in the wake of the Selecao’s World Cup quarter-final exit last year. Diniz paid tribute to Neymar, whose role in the squad has been under scrutiny.

“Many did not know what he would come to do, and he came to do what he did: have fun, score two goals and break the record,” he said. “He is a very big idol, people must recognize him and accept him,” he added. Earlier in the game, Neymar also had a role in Brazil’s third goal. A clever chipped pass by Neymar was flicked on by Bruno Guimaraes into the path of Rodrygo who confidently drilled home.

Neymar was presented a special plaque by the CBF for becoming the all time top scorer of the Seleção 🤩🇧🇷pic.twitter.com/D6h2FbyqBO

— Ginga Bonito 🇧🇷 (@GingaBonitoHub) September 9, 2023

Brazil took the lead courtesy Rodrygo who reacted quickly to slot home after a shot from Raphinha was parried out by Viscarra. Brazil doubled their advantage just after the break when Raphinha cut in from the left and his low shot took a slight deflection as it flew into the bottom corner.