Neymar will surpass Pele - Romario

Romario believes Pele's long-standing goal record for Brazil will be broken by Barcelona forward Neymar.

The former Santos star was arguably the star player at last summer's World Cup until injury ruled him out of the Selecao's semi-final against Germany – a game they lost 7-1.

Having racked up 42 goals in 60 caps for Brazil, Neymar is fifth in the nation's all-time goalscorer list

behind Pele (77), Ronaldo (62), Romario (55) and Zico (48).

At the age of 23, he could yet play in at least another two World Cups and Romario is convinced he will eventually become the greatest goalscorer in his nation's history.

“I think because of his age – though he still has others to topple – Neymar will become to top goalscorer in Brazil's history, surpassing Pele,” the former PSV and Barca forward told Folha de Sao Paulo.

“It wouldn't hurt if Neymar leapfrogged me in the list. I left my mark on history and now it's his turn.”

Neymar overtook Romario's tally of 39 strikes as a Barcelona player earlier this month when he scored his 40th goal for the club, while he has found the back of the net 26 times in 34 games this season.