Neymar keeps pace with Pelé

After his goal stellar performance in the 3-0 win over Paraguay that has led Brazil to a place in next year’s World Cup in Russia, Neymar, at the age of just 25, now has a total of 52 goals in just 77 appearances for the national team.

One of the greatest of them all, Pelé, reached a total of 52 goals for Brazil also at the age 25 before going on to record a grand total of 95 during his illustrious footballing career.

With his two goals in the victories over Uruguay and Paraguay in the recent World Cup qualifying fixtures, Neymar’s total brings him to within four of ex-Barça striker Romário’s total of 56 with the national side. Also in his sights are third on the list Zico (66) and second placed Ronaldo (67), who both are both behind Pelé’s record of 95.

At his current rate, Neymar is well capable of reaching and surpassing the landmark set by ‘O Rei’ in 115 matches with the national side before his retirement from international football at the age of just 30.  

The Barça number 11 is just one away from a century of goals in 176 official matches in a Barça shirt.