Neymar levels Pele as Brazil’s all-time top scorer with strike against Croatia in World Cup quarter-final
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ByEurosport
Updated 09/12/2022 at 18:16 GMT
We came into the 2022 World Cup knowing that there was a good chance that Neymar would either level, or go past Pele as Brazil's all-time top scorer. Neymar came into the World Cup in Qatar on 75 Brazil goals, two behind Pele's tally of 77. Now with his goal against Croatia in the quarter-final he has finally equalled Pele's figure and has cemented his place in Brazil's footballing history.
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Brazil forward Neymar has levelled legendary striker Pele as the all-time male top scorer for their country with 77 goals.
Coming into the 2022 World Cup Neymar knew that as he was on 75 international goals for Brazil, two goals would equal Pele and three would see him past him out right.
After missing two games in the group stages due to injury Neymar returned in the last 16 as Brazil thrashed South Korea 4-1, with Neymar scoring once.
And now he has his 77th goal, coming against Croatia during the quarter-final match at the 2022 World Cup. Brazil would go on to lose the match 4-2 on penalties after Dominik Livakovic had levelled late on in extra-time.
The PSG forward has speculated that this will most likely be his last World Cup, even though he will be only 34 when the 2026 World Cup in America, Mexico and Canada rolls around.
Pele is currently in hospital in Brazil recovering from a respiratory infection, he has said he is doing well and is enjoying watching Brazil at the 2022 World Cup.
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