Brazilian superstar Neymar has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil’s heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to a glittering 16-year career with the Seleção.
The 34-year-old forward made the emotional announcement after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Brazil’s World Cup campaign came to an abrupt end.
Neymar scored Brazil’s only goal from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but it proved to be only a consolation as Norway secured a famous victory to reach the quarter-finals.
Overcome with emotion, Neymar broke down in tears on the pitch before confirming that his journey with the national team was over.
“I tried. I tried. It started here at MetLife Stadium and I finished here. It is now over,” the Brazilian icon said after the match.
Neymar retires as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, having scored 80 goals in 130 international appearances.
He represented his country at four FIFA World Cups and played a key role in Brazil’s 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup triumph. He also captained Brazil to Olympic gold at the Rio 2016 Games, cementing his place among the nation’s greatest footballers.
Although a World Cup title eluded him, Neymar’s legacy is defined by his extraordinary talent, flair and influence on Brazilian football.
His retirement marks the end of an era for the five-time world champions, who will now begin rebuilding for the future under coach Carlo Ancelotti.
