With the likes of Pele, Socrates, Ronaldo Nazario, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho coming through the ranks of Selecao, Brazil knows how to produce icons. Neymar Jr. joined this list recently after surpassing the legendary Pele to become Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer. A remarkable achievement, indeed, but is it enough to place Neymar in the same hallowed halls as his iconic predecessor?

A Brazilian soccer icon and famous commentator has voiced his doubts regarding Neymar’s current achievement and has launched a scathing attack on Brazil’s no. 10.

Neymar breaks records, but does he match the legends?

As Neymar Jr. made headlines by becoming Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer, the soccer world was quick to draw comparisons between the young maestro and the soccer legend Pelé.

Although this record-breaking achievement should have been a moment of glory, it has instead fueled a fiery debate about the significance of his achievements for Brazil’s national team. Brazilian icon and former soccer star Walter Casagrande Jr. has been particularly critical of Neymar, calling him a ‘kitten’ and saying that his goals are ‘useless’ compared to those of Pele.

In an article published by UOL, Casagrande marked Neymar Jr’s goals as ‘statistically small’ as they haven’t led Brazil to any major trophies. He said, “Neymar Jr is the “kitten” in the soccer fable I’m telling you, because of all the goals he’s scored, not one has won the senior Brazilian team a title, not in the Copa America and certainly not in the World Cup – he only scored in the 3-0 win over Spain in the 2013 Confederations Cup final here in Brazil.”

Casagrande’s critical stance is centered on the idea that goals should not be measured merely by the numerical count but rather by the heat of their importance. He pointed out that Pele scored many of his goals in important matches, such as the World Cup finals, while Neymar has mostly scored against weaker opponents.

READ MORE: “He Lacks Sporting Ambition” – After $418M Al Hilal Deal, Neymar Eviscerated by Ex-Real Madrid Icon Despite Breaking Pele’s Record

The Brazilian also took a dig at the notion of ‘Neymarzete,’ which is a term coined to describe the fervent media and press hype surrounding Neymar’s every achievement. He argues that the celebration of Neymar’s record-breaking goals has been excessive as if he had scored in the finals of the World Cup.

Neymar’s legacy depends on Brazilian triumph at the grand stage

It’s no secret that Neymar’s performance on the grand stage has been scrutinized by experts and pundits. For a nation that has produced exploits of legends like Pele, Romario, Ronaldo Nazario, and Ronaldinho, the expectations of the fans are sky-high. While Neymar Jr.’s individual brilliance has dazzled audiences, his ability to inspire Brazil to World Cup success remains a subject of debate.

Looking at his recent criticism, only a major trophy win for Brazil holds the key to solidifying his place in Brazilian football legends.

The comparisons between Neymar and Pelé are inevitable, and Neymar’s legacy will be only proved when he performs at the highest level. If he can lead Brazil to triumph on the grandest stage of them all, he will not only silence his critics but also elevate his status to that of a true Brazilian legend.

Whether Neymar can shed the ‘kitten’ label and join the ranks of the ‘lions’ remains an open question, but one thing is quite certain: the debate surrounding his legacy will continue to captivate the attention of fans.

WATCH THIS STORY: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Makes a Huge Assist for Esports Space