Neymar set a new record with two goals in Brazil’s 5-1 World Cup qualifying win against Bolivia, giving him 78 for his national team career.
With his two goals in Belem, Amazonas, Neymar surpassed Pelé, a three-time World Cup champion, as the Seleço’s all-time leading scorer.
After acting head coach Fernando Diniz’s press conference, the president of the Brazilian FA presented him with a plaque, and he and his squad rejoiced.
After receiving the plaque from Rodrigues, Neymar stated, “I am very happy, no words for this.” As the saying goes, “I never thought I would reach this record.”
Although Neymar and his colleagues celebrated their victory, the Brazilian football organisation was less enthusiastic, as shown by the plaque.
Conflict between the Federation and FIFA
In the 61st minute of a World Cup qualifying match at Belém, Amazonia, Neymar scored the goal that moved him to the top of Brazil’s scoring record with 78 goals.
However, Pelé’s former club, Santos, from where both Neymar and Neymar emerged, does not recognise the Al-Hilal striker’s achievement.
“The kingdom of football,” the club said on its social media networks alongside a photo of Neymar and Pelé from an unknown time period.
The Brazilian media scoffed at the notion that Neymar had become the Selecao’s all-time leading scorer, passing Pelé in the process.
According to writer Mauro Cézar Pereira, “FIFA despises part of history by not counting all goals by Pelé.” Renato Mauricio Prado, another journalist, referred to the new number one as “an aberration.”
Pelé scored some of the 18 goals that FIFA disregarded against fierce club competition. While FIFA only counts goals scored in official competitions, the confederation counts all of Pelé’s goals, including those scored in friendly matches against club teams and state teams, as part of his total of 95.
It was Brazil’s fourth goal in a 5-1 victory, and Neymar’s 79th overall, which he scored in extra time.
