Neymar officially surpassed Pele’s record of 77 goals when he scored twice in Brazil’s 5-1 victory against Bolivia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

After exceeding the career total of the late famous Pele, who won the World Cup three times, Neymar became the player with the most goals for the Brazilian national team.

Neymar, 31, scored the goal that gave Brazil its all-time leading scorer with 78 goals in the 61st minute of their World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia at Belem.

It was Brazil’s fourth goal in a 5-1 victory, with Neymar scoring the game’s 79th goal in stoppage time.

After receiving a low cross in the penalty box, Neymar finished expertly from close range to set a new record. Like Pele, the legendary soccer player, he punched the air in celebration. The Al Hilal striker had previously missed a penalty kick that Billy Viscarra had saved in the 17th minute.

After receiving a plaque from Brazilian Football Federation President Ednaldo Rodrigues, Neymar briefly spoke with the media and expressed his happiness, saying, “I am very happy, there are no words to describe this.” – “I never imagined I’d break this record,”

Pele, who scored 95 goals in 114 games, was named the player with the most goals by the Brazilian Football Federation. The goals Pele scored in friendly games between the national team and clubs are not taken into account by FIFA.

Neymar has scored his 78th goal, the Brazilian Football Federation announced on social media following the record-breaking N10 goal. After the striker’s second goal against Bolivia, they added the following: “Neymar scores fifth goal for Selecao.”

According to Mr. Rodrigues, president of the Brazilian Football Federation, Neymar “became the player who scored the most goals ever for Brazil in matches with the national team.”

“Congratulations, Neymar Jr., for surpassing the King in number of goals for the Brazilian national team in official FIFA matches,” Pele’s Foundation said in a statement congratulating Neymar on his accomplishment. Pele is undoubtedly welcome you today.

Neymar simply stated, “I always wanted to write my story in the national team shirt and today I did it. This (record) does not indicate that I am better than him (Pele) or any other national team player.

Before the win over Bolivia, Neymar’s most recent game for Brazil was a defeat to Croatia in the World Cup quarterfinals. He departed Qatar with uncertainty about his future with the national team and missed the Selecao’s first three games of the season.

“Neymar plays for Brazil to score goals and break records, proving that he is willing to live here (national team),” said Fernando Diniz, the new Brazil coach. Neymar excels as a striker. Everyone needs to understand and accept this. Due of his natural talent, he won the audience’s love.