Neymar became Brazil’s fifth-highest scorer of all time on Tuesday as he scored all four goals in a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Javier Aguirre’s Japan in Singapore.
1. Pele – 77
2. Ronaldo – 62
3. Romario – 55
4. Zico – 48
5. Neymar – 40
6. Bebeto – 39
The Barcelona forward has now scored 40 goals in 58 international appearances, surpassing the 39-goal tally of Bebeto, who played for the Selecao between 1985 and 1998, and who was part of Carlos Alberto Parreira’s 1994 World Cup-winning side.
At just 22 years of age, Neymar will no doubt set his sights on Pele’s record of 77 Brazil goals, though he will first need to overtake Zico (48), Romario (55) and Ronaldo (62).
Neymar has now netted 13 times in 12 international contests in 2014, including four goals in five games at the 2014 World Cup.
The former Santos man also became the first player to score four or more goals in a single match for Brazil since Romario against Venezuela in 2000.
“I got goose bumps [over the four goals],” he told ESPN. “It was a very emotional moment, I felt immense happiness.
“In my wildest dreams I couldn’t have imagined something like this. To tell you, I am very happy and grateful to God for all he has done.”
Neymar has also been in superb form for Barcelona this season, with his seven goals in six league games coinciding with Luis Enrique’s side leading the La Liga table.
The 4-0 win over Japan continues Brazil’s perfect record under Dunga’s second stint, winning four out of four matches, without conceding a single goal.
espn.com