Brazilian superstar Neymar has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil’s shock elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 34-year-old confirmed that his journey with the Selecao had come to an end after Brazil suffered a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16, bringing the five-time world champions’ campaign to a disappointing close.
Neymar was introduced in the 67th minute at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with Brazil already trailing by two goals. Although he converted a penalty deep into stoppage time, it proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Norway held on to secure a historic place in the quarter-finals.
“I started here, I finished here”
Speaking after the match, an emotional Neymar confirmed it would be his final appearance for Brazil.
“I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, I finished here,” he told TV Globo.
The venue where Brazil’s World Cup dream ended also carried special significance for the forward. MetLife Stadium was the same ground where Neymar made his senior debut for Brazil in August 2010, scoring in a 2-0 friendly victory over the United States.
A legendary Brazil career comes to an end
Neymar retires as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, having scored 80 goals in 130 international appearances. He finishes second only to Cafu, who holds the record for the most appearances for the Selecao with 142 caps.
The forward returned to the national team for the 2026 World Cup after spending nearly three years away due to persistent injury problems.
His involvement in the tournament was limited, making substitute appearances in Brazil’s 3-0 group-stage victory over Scotland and the Round of 16 defeat to Norway, which ultimately became the final match of his international career.
The 2026 tournament marked Neymar’s fourth FIFA World Cup, having previously represented Brazil at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.
Although he never fulfilled his dream of lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy, Neymar leaves the international stage as one of the greatest players in Brazil’s history. Across a remarkable 16-year career with the national team, he established himself as one of the country’s most influential footballers, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
