Neymar Jr. scored twice in Brazil’s 5-1 victory over Bolivia on Friday, passing Pelé as the country’s all-time leading scorer.
The 31-year-old missed a penalty in the first half of the World Cup qualifier, but rallied with two goals in the 61st and 93rd minutes to increase his international goal record to 79.
“I never imagined reaching this record,” Neymar, who has represented Brazil 125 times, said afterwards, according to Reuters.
“I want to state unequivocally that I am not a better player than Pelé.” I’ve always wanted to write my own chapter in the history of Brazilian football and the national team. And I did it today.”
Pelé is widely recognized as one of the greatest players of all time, having scored 77 goals for Brazil and being the only player to win three World Cups. He died in December at the age of 82.
Neymar Jr. just transferred from French Ligue 1 winner Paris Saint-German to Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal. When he joined the Parisian club from Barcelona in 2017, he became the world’s most expensive footballer.
