An emotional Neymar scored his 68th goal for Brazil in their 4-0 victory over Peru on Thursday in the Copa America, which sees him edge closer to the all-time record set by legend Pele.
He reduced the gap to nine after his side cruised to victory in Rio.
Official statistics from FIFA, soccer’s international governing body, put Pele in No. 1 spot for Brazil with 77 goals. Neymar has 68 after he netted the Selecao’s second against Peru.
‘It is obvious for me that this is a great honor, to be a part of Brazil history,’ a tearful Neymar said in an interview full of squeaky tones and long pauses after Brazil’s victory at the Nilton Santos stadium in Rio.
‘To be very honest, my dream was to play for Brazil, wear this shirt. I never imagined I would get to these numbers.
‘It is very emotional to me because I went through a lot of things over these last two years, difficult and complicated things. These numbers are nothing compared to the happiness I have playing for Brazil.’
Neymar has had several injuries, lost a Champions League final with Paris Saint-Germain in 2020, and had to deal with a sexual assault allegation that was later proved false.
Pele, who has followed Neymar’s career since the younger man’s first appearances at Santos, published a picture of the pair on Instagram.
‘I, like all Brazilians, am always happy when I see him play ball. Today he gave another step toward my record of goals for the Selecao. And I am cheering for him to get there, with the same joy I have since I saw him play for the first time,’ 80-year-old Pele said.
Under FIFA’s criteria, Pele got his record after 92 matches, while Neymar has already played 107.
The Brazilian soccer confederation’s official scoring tally — which includes some non-international games against clubs and differs from the FIFA statistics — puts Neymar 28 goals behind the man who Brazilians call the king of soccer.
Brazil changed half of its starting lineup to face Peru on Thursday in their second Copa America match.
It was the Selecao’s ninth consecutive victory, and another display that suggests the tournament hosts are the favorites to defend their South American title.
Brazil opened the scoring in the 12th minute after Gabriel Jesus crossed and Sandro hit it home from close range. But the new players didn’t adapt as well as the coach expected.
In the 68th minute, Neymar received the ball at the edge of the Peruvian box and beat goalkeeper Pedro Gallese with a low crossed shot.
Peru stepped up the pressure, but Brazil moved further ahead in the 89th when Ribeiro scored from close range, his first for the national team. Richarlison, who went on at halftime, scored the last goal of the match in added time after two saves by Gallese.
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