Suffering Rare Disease as 500,000 People, 14YO Fan’s Dream Fulfilled by Neymar, Before Surpassing Pele’s All-Time Brazil Record

Last night saw the Brazilian National Team score 5 goals past a hapless Bolivian defense. The goals for the Selecao were expectedly scored by the usual suspects with Neymar Jr. leading the charge with a fine brace. The night, however, didn’t end there for the Al Hilal star as he capped it off with a special gesture to a teenage fan suffering from a rare genetic disease.

After the match, Neymar met 14-year-old Gilberto Ferreira and his mother on stadium premises. Ferreira, suffering from a rare disease, had a long-standing wish to meet his idol Neymar Jr. Heartwarmingly, the ex-PSG star obliged and spent time with the kid leaving soccer fans in awe.

Brazilian NT delivers “A dream come true” moment for 14-year-old Gilberto Ferreira

Gilberto Ferreira suffers from a rare condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa, a genetic and non-contagious skin disease. Currently, over 500,000 patients suffer from the rare genetic disease. Growing up, Ferreira has always looked up to Neymar Jr. as his idol and always wished to meet him.

Apart from Neymar clicking photos with the kid, he also took some time to talk and empathize with the 14-year-old and his family. The ex-PSG star was also joined by fellow Selecao teammate Richarlison, who was also gracious enough to spend time with Gilberto.

Post the special meeting, Fereira’s mother took to Instagram and thanked the soccer stars and the intermediaries involved in making this happen for her kid. She was elated with the whole incident and termed the gesture by Neymar as “a dream come true” for her kid.

Apart from making Gilberto’s night special, Neymar also made his own night special with his two goals against Bolivia. Thanks to his brace, the Al Hilal star now holds the record for having scored the most number of goals for the National team.

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Neymar Jr. overtakes Pele as the leading goalscorer for Brazil

Heading into the World Cup qualifier against Bolivia, Neymar Jr. was already on par with Pele’s exploits for Brazil. With his second-half brace, the ex-Barcelona star finally managed to overtake the soccer legend by having scored 79 goals in 125 matches. The Brazilian was elated with his achievement and expressed the same post-match. “Very happy. I have no words,” said the Al Hilal star. “I have never imagined reaching this record.”

The Selecao talisman, however, was quick to clarify his jubilation by saying that his celebration doesn’t mean he is better than Pele or other legends. He is happy because it was a personal dream of his to achieve it and he finally did so. “I want to make clear that it’s not because I surpassed Pele that I am better than him or any other player of the national team. I always wanted to make my history and write my name in the history of Brazilian football and in the national team. Today, I did it,” said the Brazilian.

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The Al Hilal star ended the interview by thanking everyone from his family to his teammates for helping him reach this milestone.

“To my family – that is far away – and to all my teammates here, I thank you all.” How many goals do you see Neymar score before his retirement? Predict in the comments below!