Neymar Sends Heartfelt Message to Alleged Ex Girlfriend and Singer Anitta After VMAs Win

• Neymar has lauded his compatriot Anitta after she won a VMA
• It was the Brazilian pop star's second straight VMAs accolade
• Neymar is expected to make his Al-Hilal debut this weekend

Neymar has been receiving plaudits from the football world after he surpassed Pele to become Brazil's all-time leading goal-scorer.

The Al-Hilal superstar has since paid tribute to Anitta, the Brazilian pop star and his alleged ex-girlfriend, who recently won an award for Best Latin Music Video at the Video Music Award (VMAs), beating the likes of Bad Bunny, Karol G, and Shakira.

The 31-year-old took to Instagram to applaud the pop star for making Brazil proud.

"We have to start giving more value to our Brazilian offspring… Congratulations @anitta for taking our music and our country to the top of the world."

The singer made history in last year's VMAs by becoming the first Brazilian artist to win a Moon Person, the most coveted award at the MTV VMAs, per Hollywood Reporter.

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Football

In 2019, Neymar and Anitta were spotted partying at the Rio Carnival, leaving fans to assume the two were a couple.

However, in June, that rumour was put to bed after the footballer announced he was expecting a baby girl with his girlfriend, Bruna Biancardi after revealing the pregnancy in April.

PUMA celebrates Neymar for Brazil's milestone

Meanwhile, after Neymar became the outright leader in Brazil's all-time goal-scoring charts, PUMA immediately unveiled 78 limited-edition FUTURE boots to celebrate the milestone.

"Neymar has personally selected the special group that includes family, friends, coaches, current and ex-teammates, and Brazil legends, all of whom will receive the boot number that corresponds to the goals they have scored for their national team."

The shoes have 10 unique icons from images created by Neymar to represent the 10 special moments in his life.

Neymar overtakes Pele as Brazil's top scorer

Sports Brief previously reported on Neymar surpassing Pele in national goals after becoming Brazil's all-time top goal-scorer.

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Football

The new Al-Hilal signing etched his name in history books for his country after scoring a brace against Bolivia on September 9.

Prior to the game, Neymar had scored 77 goals in 124 appearances for his national side - the same tally as the late, great Pele.