Neymar Jr. receives tribute from CBF after surpassing Pelé with 79 targets and changing into the very best scorer of the Brazilian nationwide group in FIFA accounts after a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Brazil and Bolivia at Mangueirao on September 08, 2023 in Belem, Brazil.| Photo Credit: Getty Images

Neymar eclipsed Pelé as the highest aim scorer for Brazil’s nationwide group after overtaking the three-time World Cup winner's profession whole on Friday.

The aim that put the 31-year-old Neymar on the highest of Brazil’s scoring file with 78 got here within the 61st minute in a World Cup qualifying match towards Bolivia within the Amazon metropolis of Belém.

It was Brazil’s fourth aim of the match in a 5-1 win, with the final aim of the sport additionally being scored by Neymar — his 79th — throughout harm time.

Neymar's record-breaking aim got here after a low cross into the penalty field, which the striker completed with accuracy from shut vary. He celebrated with a punch within the air, as Pelé often did.

“I am very happy, no words for this,” Neymar mentioned briefly feedback to media after he was handed a plaque by the president of the Brazilian soccer confederation, Ednaldo Rodrigues. “I never thought I would reach this record.”

Earlier, the Al-Hilal striker missed a penalty within the seventeenth minute, which goalkeeper Billy Viscarra saved. Neymar's second aim within the match got here in related vogue close to the ultimate whistle, with one other low cross by Raphinha.

Brazil’s soccer confederation considers Pelé as its high aim scorer with 95 targets in 114 matches. FIFA doesn't rely targets that Pelé had at nationwide group friendlies towards golf equipment.

“78 times Neymar,” the Brazilian soccer physique mentioned on social media after Neymar’s record-breaking aim. “Neymar scores the fifth for the Selecao,” it mentioned after the striker's second aim towards Bolivia.

Rodrigues, the president of Brazil's soccer physique, reiterated Neymar had turn out to be “the all-time high goal-scorer for Brazil in matches towards nationwide groups."

Pelé's Foundation, however, acknowledged Neymar's achievement.

“Congratulations, Neymar Jr, for surpassing the King in goals for the Brazilian National Team in official FIFA matches,” it said on social media. “Surely Pelé is applauding you today!”

Pelé died from cancer on Dec. 29 in Sao Paulo at the age of 82.

“I want to say that this (the record) doesn't mean I am better than him (Pelé) or than any national team player,” Neymar added in his short statement. “I always wanted to write my story in the national team, and today I did that.”

Neymar’s most-recent match for Brazil before the victory over Bolivia was the World Cup quarterfinal loss last year to Croatia. He left Qatar with doubts about his future in the national team and did not play the Selecao’s first three games this year.

New Brazil coach Fernando Diniz said Neymar came to play for Brazil “to score goals, break records, show that he is very much willing to live this (the national team.)”

“He is a great hero," Diniz mentioned. "People have to recognize it and accept it. He doesn't do anything to get this adoration he gets from the crowd. It is because of the natural talent he has."