Neymar scored two goals in Brazil's 5-1 over Bolivia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying game at home on Friday, meaning he surpassed Pele to become the national team's all-time men's record scorer.

"I never imagined reaching this record. I want to say that I am not better player than Pele," Neymar said. "I always wanted to make my own story, write my name in the history of Brazilian football and the national team. And today I did that."

Before Friday's game, Neymar was tied with Pele at 77 goals. He first missed a penalty kick in the 17th minute, but then shot a low cross into the goal with accuracy as his record-breaking moment.

"Congratulations, Neymar Jr, for surpassing the King in goals for the Brazilian National Team in official FIFA matches," Pele's Foundation said in a statement. "Surely Pele is applauding you today!"

Pele, who passed away at 82 in December 2022, netted 77 goals for Brazil between 1957 and 1971. Neymar, 31, got 79 goals in 125 international appearances, and he is very likely to further increase that record to a higher level.

"Neymar is very much a hero of mine," teammate Rodrygo said. "This will be in my memory, this was a very special day."

"He is a great hero," Brazil's manager Fernando Diniz said of Neymar. "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."

Pele won three World Cup titles for Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970, the most as a player. Neymar's best World Cup record with the national team was reaching the semifinals at home in 2014 when they lost to Germany 7-1.