After scoring against Croatia in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday, Neymar equaled football legend Pele’s record of 77 goals for Brazil. In extra time, the Brazilian forward scored from close range to put his country ahead and equal Pele’s tally. He entered the tournament two goals shy of the century mark and scored his 76th against South Korea in the round of 16 after returning from an ankle injury.
Neymar scores to equal Pele’s record
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Neymar equaled football legend Pele’s record of 77 goals
Pele remained in a hospital in Brazil, where she was being treated for a respiratory infection exacerbated by COVID-19. According to the most recent medical reports, 82-year-old Pelé, who underwent surgery last year to remove a colon tumor, is doing well. Neymar, 30, scored 77 goals in 124 appearances for Brazil. Pele scored 92 goals for the national team between 1957 and 1971. Ronaldo, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, is third on the list with 62 goals in 98 games.
Neymar made his debut for Brazil as an 18-year-old in 2010. He is attempting to win his first major championship with the national team. Pele won three World Cups, the first as a 17-year-old in 1958. He also played a role in Brazil’s World Cup victories in 1962 and 1970. Neymar is in his third World Cup and, aside from Pele and Ronaldo, is the only Brazilian player to have scored in three different World Cups. He helped the Seleçao win the Confederations Cup in 2013 and its first Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
Neymar injured their ankle ligaments in Brazil’s opening win over Serbia, and his participation in the rest of the tournament was in doubt due to the injury. He was forced to withdraw from the 2014 World Cup after injuring his back against Colombia in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Brazil was defeated 7-1 by Germany. The right ankle had previously caused Neymar problems, as part of a string of injuries suffered since the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Another right ankle sprain forced him to miss Brazil’s 2019 Copa América.