Brazil’s record-breaking goal scorer has tallied 79 goals in 128 international appearances, surpassing the legendary Pelé’s record of 77. Only Cafu has more caps for Brazil with 142 appearances compared to Neymar’s 128. Neymar declared last month that the 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament with the national team. Brazil fans hope his return will revitalize their qualifying campaign for the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Neymar was on Thursday (Mar 5) recalled by coach Dorival Junior to the Brazil team after almost a year and a half out injured for upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.
Neymar started Brazil’s first four qualifying games but went off injured in a defeat to Uruguay in October 2023, his last appearance for the five-time world champions.
Brazil have struggled in South American World Cup qualifying.
After 12 of the 18 rounds, they are fifth in the 10-nation group. But the top six are guaranteed places in the World Cup and Brazil are five points ahead of Bolivia in seventh.
Neymar returns for qualifiers against Colombia on Mar 21 and world champions Argentina five days later.
Brazil’s top scorer with 79 goals said last month next year’s World Cup is going to be his last. He will be 34 by the time the competition in the USA, Canada and Mexico, kicks off.
Neymar scored for the first time in over 14 months last Sunday with his first goal for Santos since his return to his boyhood club at the start of the month.
The 33-year-old helped Santos beat fourth division Agua Santa 3-1 in a Sao Paulo state championship match.
Neymar, who failed to score in his first three games with Santos, stepped up to slot home a penalty in the 14th minute.
