In a thrilling clash that will be remembered for years to come, Neymar catapulted himself into Brazilian football history by surpassing the legendary Pele as the country's all-time top scorer.
The 31-year-old forward etched his name in the record books with two second-half goals that helped secure a resounding 5-1 victory for Brazil over Bolivia in the South American 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Friday.
Neymar had been on par with Pele, sitting at 77 goals for Brazil, when he had a chance to break the record in the 17th minute. However, his penalty attempt was thwarted by Bolivia's agile goalkeeper, Guillermo Viscarra, much to his dismay.
Nevertheless, Brazil remained relentless in their pursuit of victory, with Rodrygo opening the scoring in the 24th minute, capitalizing on a rebound off Raphinha's shot. The Brazilians continued to dominate, doubling their lead shortly after the halftime break as Raphinha found the net with a deflected effort.
Neymar was not to be denied his place in history, as he played a crucial role in Brazil's third goal, setting up Rodrygo with a precise chipped pass. The young forward made no mistake in converting the chance.
Then came the moment every football fan had been waiting for. In the 125th game of his international career, Neymar seized upon a loose ball in the box, netting his 78th goal for Brazil. He raised his hands to the sky, marking a historic moment for the star player.
Bolivia's Victor Abrego managed to pull one back with a spectacular strike, but it was Neymar who had the last say, completing his record-breaking night by connecting with Raphinha's low ball in stoppage time.
Neymar's achievement is even more remarkable considering his recent move from Paris Saint-Germain to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. Pele, who passed away in December 2022 at the age of 82, scored his 77 goals for Brazil over 92 appearances between 1957 and 1971.
This monumental victory also marked a spectacular beginning for Brazil's new coach, Fernando Diniz, who took over from Tite following the Selecao's World Cup quarter-final exit last year. Diniz was quick to praise Neymar, emphasizing his importance to the team and his monumental achievement.
In another exciting match on Friday, Uruguay, under the guidance of new coach Marcelo Bielsa, displayed their prowess as they defeated Chile 3-1. Bielsa opted for a youthful lineup, leaving out veteran strikers Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez. The decision paid off as River Plate's Nicolas de la Cruz netted twice, showcasing the vibrant style of play Bielsa encourages.
With the qualification process for the 2026 World Cup offering two additional slots for South America, the stakes are higher than ever, with six teams set to qualify directly and the seventh facing an intercontinental playoff. As the action unfolds, football fans across the continent eagerly await more record-breaking moments and unforgettable matches.
In Thursday's opening games, Argentina secured a 1-0 victory over Ecuador with a goal from Lionel Messi, while Peru played to a goalless draw against Paraguay, and Colombia narrowly defeated Venezuela 1-0. The journey to the 2026 World Cup promises to be a rollercoaster ride of emotions and historic achievements.
