An emotional Neymar has announced that his international career with Brazil is “over” following a devastating round-of-16 defeat against Norway at the 2026 World Cup.
The 34-year-old superstar was introduced as a 67th-minute substitute at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with the Seleção already trailing 2-0. While Neymar managed to convert a penalty deep into stoppage time, it proved to be nothing more than a consolation goal as the five-time world champions were dumped out of the tournament.
“I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, I finished here,” a tearful Neymar told TV Globo on the pitch immediately after the final whistle.
A Historic International Legacy Ends Where it Began
The venue of Brazil’s exit added a poignant layer of symmetry to the forward’s international retirement. Neymar made his senior debut for the Seleção at this exact stadium in August 2010, scoring in a 2-0 friendly victory over the United States.
The Santos attacker departs international football as Brazil’s undisputed all-time leading goalscorer, having netted 80 goals for his country. His 130 caps place him second on the nation’s all-time appearance list, trailing only legendary fullback Cafu, who accumulated 142 appearances.
The Final Chapter of a Tumultuous Tournament Campaign
Neymar’s inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad had been a significant gamble. Prior to this summer, the forward had not featured for the national team since 2023 due to a succession of long-term injury struggles, including a severe calf tear suffered just before the group stage.
He was preserved on the bench for the opening fixtures, making his tournament bow as a late substitute during the 3-0 group-stage win over Scotland. The brief cameo against Norway marked his only other appearance in North America.
This campaign represented Neymar’s fourth consecutive World Cup, following his previous involvements in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions. With Brazil heading home early, the post-Neymar transition begins immediately for the South American powerhouse.
Read more – Brazil’s Old Failings Exposed as Norway Repeat Their 1998 Trick
Also see – FIFA Suspends Balogun’s One-Match Ban, Trump thanks FIFA
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