Neymar breaks Brazil scoring record: how many goals has he scored?

Neymar has broken Brazil’s all-time goal scoring record with a second half brace in his side’s comfortable victory over Bolivia.

The 31-year-old was a doubt to start for Brazil having not featured for six months. Neymar made the switch to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal last month but has not been fit to play.

However interim Brazil coach Fernando Diniz opted to start Neymar in his first game in charge and was rewarded with a sparkling performance and a confidently-taken brace. The record-breaking 78th goal came midway through the second half, slotting the ball home from the penalty box to extend his side’s lead to four goals.

Neymar, and every Brazilian in Estadio Olimpico do Para, celebrated wildly when that hit the back of the net but there was more to come. In stoppage time he slotted home from close range to score Brazil’s fifth of the night and notch his 79th senior goal for Brazil.

Neymar missed penalty in the first half

The 31-year-old got his dream ending eventually, but there was a moment to forget in the first half. Within 15 minutes of his return to action Neymar was gifted a golden opportunity to write his name into the record books.

Rodrygo skipped through the Bolivian backline with a strong run and fired the ball across the face of goal. His drilled cross connected with a defender’s hand and the referee awarded Brazil a penalty. Up stepped Neymar to take the penalty spot kick but his usual stuttered run-up let him downand Guillermo Viscarra was able to make a comfortable stop down to his right.

For a moment the crowd, who had been expected a historic moment, fell silent. It looked like Neymar’s return to the pitch might not get the crowning moment that they had all hoped. Fortunately, both for Brazil and for Neymar, that miss was later overshadowed by his record-breaking strike and an impressive win for the team.