PUMA AND NEYMAR JR. GAVE THE NJR78 FUTURE SOCCER SHOES AS GIFTS TO 78 PEOPLE WHO HELPED HIM BREAK THE BRAZILIAN GOAL-SCORING RECORD

With his all-time record of 78 goals for the Brazilian national team, Neymar Jr. has become Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. To honor this special moment, PUMA and Neymar Jr. have created 78 limited-edition pairs of the FUTURE soccer cleats, which will be gifted to the 78 most influential people in his career.

Neymar Jr. personally selected a special group that includes family, friends, coaches, current and former teammates, and Brazilian soccer legends who will receive a pair of cleats bearing the number corresponding to the goal they scored for their national teams. Neymar Jr. and PUMA will also give away a pair of cleats in a special competition organized by @pumafootball.

Achieving this record fulfills a lifelong dream for Neymar Jr. It’s hard to be a star, and it’s even harder when you start so young. Neymar Jr. came from Santos, a place of high expectations and home to some of the most talented players in soccer history. A nation of 200 million watched him grow up, find his voice, and reach his full potential.

People will always make comparisons, but Neymar Jr. never wanted that. His hero, Pelé, inspired him to become a better soccer player, and he himself wants to do the same for the next generation of Brazilian athletes. History does not repeat itself. Every player builds his own legacy. We should celebrate the heroes who came before us and inspire the heroes who are yet to be crowned.

The NJR78 FUTURE soccer cleats in White, PUMA Gold, and Matte Gold feature 10 unique icons, created from images drawn by Neymar Jr., that represent 10 special moments in his life. The highlights of his career begin with an image of a young Neymar Jr. on the right cleat and end with a current image on the left cleat. Surrounding the images is the phrase “History doesn’t repeat itself,” and on the front of the cleat is the first autograph Neymar Jr. signed as a child, when he dreamed of becoming a professional player. The special coins celebrate the following moments:

1. Neymar Jr. drawing a picture of himself as Pelé in his school notebook.
2. A letter that Neymar Jr.'s mother wrote to him.
3. The spot where I used to catch the bus to go to practice.
4. Zito – a Santos FC legend who gave him a chance at Santos.
5. First top scorer trophy in a youth league.
6. Betinho – Neymar Jr.'s first coach
7. March 7, 2009. Debut with Santos.
8. Neymar Jr.'s first goal for Santos and his celebration.
9. Neymar Jr.'s first goal for the Brazilian national team.
10. Neymar Jr.'s first championship with Brazil.

“Breaking a record is a dream come true. Pelé is my hero and has been an inspiration to me and many other young people in Brazil. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the support of my family and the many people who have helped me on this journey,” said Neymar Jr. “After scoring my 78th goal, I wanted to do something special and show my gratitude to them. Together with PUMA, we’ve created 78 pairs of FUTURE cleats that will be given as gifts to the 78 people who have influenced me on and off the field. To these people, I want to express my gratitude and share a part of this record that they helped me achieve.” Each pair of NJR78 cleats will be presented in special cases with a white protective outer cover featuring shiny gold designs. The packaging includes white cotton gloves specifically designed to protect the limited-edition items. Each pair comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Neymar Jr. and will not be available for sale.