Neymar stays humble after breaking Pele's Brazil record

Neymar has surpassed Pele to become Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals.

The Al-Hilal star, 31, netted twice as the Selecao beat Bolivia 5-1 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Friday night, with Real Madrid ace Rodrygo also bagging a brace in Belem.

Neymar needed just one goal to break the record and was presented with the chance to get it from the penalty spot in the 17th minute, only to see his effort saved by goalkeeper Billy Viscarra.

But the ex-Paris Saint-Germain forward made up for the error just after the hour mark when he converted Rodrygo's low cross into the penalty area to bring up his 78th strike on the international stage.

Neymar took his tally to 79 in second half stoppage time, capitalising on a pass from Barcelona winger Raphinha — who was also on the scoresheet — and finding the back of the net.

After breaking Pele's long-standing record, the Brazil captain humbly said: "I never imagined reaching this record.

"I'm no better than Pele or any other player for the national team."

Brazil head coach Fernando Diniz added: "He came to do what he did, have fun, score two goals and break the record. He is a very big idol, people must recognise him and accept him."

Pele, who sadly passed away last December aged 82, scored 77 goals in 92 appearances for Brazil and won three World Cups.

His official account on social media paid tribute to Neymar's historic achievement, posting: "Congratulations Neymar for surpassing the king in goals for Brazil. Surely Pele is applauding you today!"

However, Brazil's football confederation still consider Pele the nation's leading scorer with 95 goals in 114 appearances — but FIFA do not count strikes from national team friendlies against club sides.