One more to overtake Pele! Neymar discusses hitting goal 78 for Brazil & claiming record of three-time World Cup winner

As things stand, the Al-Hilal forward sits level with his legendary compatriot on 77 efforts for his country. It would appear to be only a matter of time before Neymar registers goal number 78 and moves clear of three-time World Cup winner Pele.

That historic strike could be recorded in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Bolivia, while Brazil also have a meeting with Peru to take in next Tuesday. Neymar has said of potentially re-writing the record books: "It is hard to know what that record means, but it does mean a lot. No-one ever thought about overcoming that. It is something I will respond after it is done."

Neymar’s last outing for Brazil came in their 2022 World Cup quarter-final defeat to Croatia, with the 31-year-old hinting after that penalty shootout setback that he could bow out with 124 caps to his name. He has said of carrying on with the Selecao: "After a lot of pressure from family and friends [to return to the national team] you start giving value to everything you did. When you are with your people, your family, they put you in your place and make you see it is worth to continue being happy by wearing Brazil's shirt."

Neymar made his debut for Brazil back in 2010. The CBF is reluctant to celebrate him reaching 78 goals too much, as their records – which differ slightly to the official ones – claim to have Pele sat on 95 efforts for the South American nation when all of his international appearances are taken into account.