'O Príncipe' Neymar Jr surpasses 'O Rei' Pele

8th September 2023. That day is already marked in golden letters in Brazil's history books. It is the day on which Neymar surpassed 'O Rei ' Pele, the best player in the history of the country where football became great.

The 'Selecao' star, just as he has left the top flight for Al Hilal, has become the top scorer in the history of the Brazilian national team.

It was only a matter of time before the former Santos player, the boy who dazzled before making the leap to Europe, overtook 'O Rei'. Even more so when he levelled it months ago. It was not until on Friday, at the Estadio Olímpico do Para, that Neymar became a legend, a myth.

His two goals against Bolivia have lifted him to the top of the Brazilian national team. He has left behind the 77 goals of Pele and now has 79, with still several years ahead of him to increase his numbers.

He leaves behind other great players in Brazilian history such as Ronaldo (62), Romario (56), Zico (48), Bebeto (38) and Rivaldo (35).

The beginning of a legend

10th August 2010. 13 years and 1 month ago, a very young Neymar, only 18 years old and after a brilliant breakthrough at Santos, was called up by Mano Menezes, who had just taken over the 'Selecao' bench.

Aware of the talent he had in hand, Menezes gave Neymar a start in his first match, a friendly against the United States that marked the beginning of his international career, and the first mark as a goalscorer for Brazil.

From that 10th August 2010 to 8 September 2023, 13 years and 125 games have passed between then and now. 125 games in which Neymar has reached a record 79 goals.

Neymar has scored at least one goal in 60 matches. BeSoccer Pro wanted to delve into his numbers, both individual and collective. Neymar's goal is synonymous with victory. In those 60 games, Brazil have won 55, drawn four and lost just one, a friendly against Germany in 2011.

Likewise, whenever Neymar has scored in an official match, the 'Selecao' have won... all but one. The elimination in the penalty shootout at the last World Cup in Qatar, against Croatia.

A path full of thorns

Neymar and Brazil have not had an easy journey at senior level. The talent from Mogi das Cruzes has not been able to lead the 'Selecao' to any major title, apart from the 2013 Confederations Cup.

Injuries - especially painful at the 2014 World Cup in his home country - and continuous problems in playmaking have prevented Brazil and Neymar from rising to the top. They have failed to do so in either the Copa America - runners-up in 2021 - or the World Cups - their best finish is 4th in 2014.

Despite the lack of collective results, Neymar has shown a great level. Japan know this well, as they have conceded up to nine goals to him. And it was precisely against the Japanese that Ney's only hat-trick for the 'Selecao' took place.

At 31, and despite leaving European football this summer, Neymar wants to continue making history with Brazil. And he has one goal in mind: to put the sixth star on the Canarinha's chest at the 2026 World Cup.