Neymar overtakes Pele as Brazil’s leading male goalscorer: ‘I never imagined reaching this record’

Neymar surpassed Pele as Brazil’s leading male goalscorer after the Al-Hilal forward hit a brace in his side’s 5-1 win over Bolivia.

The 31-year-old was level with Pele on 77 goals going into the World Cup qualifier. However, two second-half goals in a 5-1 win took Neymar to 79 goals in 125 matches.

Pele, who died in December, scored 77 goals in 92 matches.

Marta holds the record for the women’s team: she has scored 122 goals in 189 matches for Brazil.

"Very happy. I have no words,” Neymar added. “I have never imagined reaching this record.

“I want to make clear that it's not because I surpassed Pele that I am better than him or any other player of the national team. I always wanted to make my history, write my name in the history of Brazilian football and in the national team. Today, I did it.

“To my family - that is far away - and to all my team-mates here, I thank you all."

A brace from Rodrygo coupled with a Raphinha strike had put Brazil in control of the match before Neymar made his record-breaking contribution.

The match was Brazil's first qualifier for the 2026 World Cup. They sit top of their group.

Brazil coach Fernando Diniz said: "He came to do what he did: have fun, score two goals and break the record."

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.