Rodrygo opens up on assisting 'idol' Neymar for record-breaking goal during Brazil's 5-1 win over Bolivia

 

Rodrygo opens up on assisting 'idol' Neymar for record-breaking goal during Brazil's 5-1 win over Bolivia

Rodrygo has revealed how honored he was to assist Neymar with the Al Hilal superstar's record-breaking 78th international goal for Brazil.

Selecao romped to a 5-1 thrashing over Bolivia in their first 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday (September 8) night. Rodrygo grabbed himself a brace as did Neymar who in the process moved ahead of the late great Pele as his nation's all-time leading goalscorer.

The Brazilian superstar now sits in 79 goals in 125 international caps for Brazil. He overtook the Santos icon with his first goal on the evening and his feat was an accomplishment thanks in part to Rodrygo.

 The Real Madrid attacker provided an astute assist for the 31-year-old to slot home.Rodrygo has explained how proud he is to have assisted Neymar for his record-breaking goal. He said (via MadridXtra):

“Neymar is my idol. Being able to assist him in becoming our national team’s top scorer will stay in my memory forever".

The five-time Ligue 1 champion had sat tied with Pele on 77 goals since the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Ankle surgery as a result of an injury at the tournament meant he missed three friendlies prior to the win over Bolivia.

However, Neymar has now become his nation's all-time record goalscorer and it's an accomplishment he only dreamed of. He humbly insisted that he's not a better player than Pele (via ESPN):

"I never imagined reaching this record. I want to say that I am not better player than Pele. I always wanted to make my own story, write my name in the history of Brazilian football and the national team. And today I did that."

The enigmatic forward made his debut for Selecao back in 2010 aged 18 and has gone on to become one of the biggest stars in his nation's history. He started his career at Santos where Pele would coincidentally become one of the greatest players in history. Rodrygo is too a former Peixe player.

The Brazilian Football Confederation recognized Neymar's extraordinary achievement by presenting the nation's skipper with a special plaque. The Al Hilal superstar stood proudly as he was handed the plaque during the post-match media.

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