The Brazilian sensation Neymar is one of the best soccer players in the world. The 31-year-old has collected all the accolades in club and international soccer except the highly coveted FIFA World Cup. Adding to his list of records, Neymar broke another one this week as the Al Hilal forward broke the scoring record of the 3-time World Cup winner Pele. Pele, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 82, held the record for most goals scored for the Brazilian Men?s National Team at 77 goals.
Neymar headed into the World Cup qualifier against Bolivia, tied with the Brazilian legend. He found the back of the net twice in the match, becoming the new leading goal scorer in Brazilian soccer history. The Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler acknowledged the Brazilian superstar, calling him the GOAT.
Jimmy Butler calls Neymar GOAT as he sets a new record
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In Brazil?s dominant 5-1 win against Bolivia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Neymar scored twice, taking his goal tally to 79. Jimmy Butler shared a post by Bleacher Report Football, which showed Neymar scoring for Brazil over the course of his career. Butler gave Neymar his flowers by putting a GOAT emoji on his Instagram story. The Brazilian forward has scored 79 goals in 125 national appearances.
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Neymar made his debut for the Brazilian team in 2010 when he was just 18 years old. Showing the world that he was going to be a future star, Neymar scored in his debut match against the United States, leading his country to a 2-0 victory. Since his debut, Neymar has led Brazil to several trophies, including the 2016 Olympic gold medal and the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. The next goal for the 31-year-old Brazilian forward is to bring home the FIFA World Cup.
Neymar wants to add the World Cup to his trophy cabinet
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Even though Neymar surpassed the Brazilian legend in goal scoring, there is one department where he is far behind Pele. Neymar has never won the FIFA World Cup for his country. Pele, who was one of the best soccer players in his prime, led his nation to 3 World Cup trophies in 1958, 1962, and 1970. With Pele leading Brazil to 3 of the nation?s 5 World Cups, he is considered the Greatest Brazilian player by many.
Neymar aims to add one more World Cup to Brazil?s trophy cabinet in 2026. With a dominant win against Bolivia, he has taken a step in the right direction.
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A World Cup win will put Neymar in the conversation for the Greatest Brazilian soccer player. Jimmy Butler and the rest of Neymar?s fans hope to see him lift the trophy at least once in his storied career.
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