Neymar moved level with Pele as Brazil's all-time leading scorer with two goals in a 4-0 victory over Scotland in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier at the Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha in Brasília on Thursday.
Neymar matches Pele's record
The Paris Saint-Germain forward scored in the 12th and 68th minutes to take his international tally to 77 goals, equalling the legendary Pele's mark. Neymar's first goal came from a penalty after he was fouled by Scott McTominay, and his second was a clinical finish from a pass by Vinícius Júnior.
"It's an honour to equal the record of the greatest player in history," Neymar said after the match. "I dedicate this to my family and to the Brazilian people."
Brazil dominant from start
Brazil took the lead in the 12th minute when Neymar converted a penalty after being brought down by McTominay. The hosts doubled their advantage in the 35th minute through a powerful header from defender Marquinhos off a corner from Neymar.
In the second half, Brazil continued to dominate. Neymar scored his second of the night in the 68th minute, latching onto a through ball from Vinícius Júnior and slotting past goalkeeper Craig Gordon. Substitute Gabriel Jesus added a fourth in the 82nd minute, heading home from a cross by Danilo.
Scotland struggle to create chances
Scotland, who are ranked 42nd in the world, rarely threatened the Brazilian goal. Their best chance came in the 55th minute when John McGinn's shot was saved by Alisson Becker. The visitors were also reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute when McTominay received a second yellow card for a foul on Casemiro.
"We knew it would be tough against a team like Brazil, but we didn't perform to our best," Scotland manager Steve Clarke said. "We have to learn from this and move on."
Brazil's road to 2026
The victory keeps Brazil top of the South American qualifying standings with 12 points from four matches. They have scored 14 goals in the campaign and conceded just two. Scotland, meanwhile, remain third in their European qualifying group with six points from three games.
Brazil's next qualifier is against Argentina on September 5, while Scotland face Norway on September 8.
Neymar, who is 34 years old, could break Pele's record in Brazil's next match against Argentina. "I hope to break it soon," he said. "But the most important thing is to help the team qualify for the World Cup."
