Softfootball reports that Neymar, the renowned Brazilian footballer, has formally declared his retirement from international play, marking the end of a remarkable tenure with the Seleção.
This poignant declaration followed shortly after Brazil’s 2-1 loss to Norway in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which resulted in the earliest World Cup exit for the five-time champions since 1990.
Although Neymar scored a late penalty, he could not stop Brazil’s exit, as Erling Haaland netted twice, leading Norway to the quarter-finals.
After the match at MetLife Stadium, the 34-year-old fell to the ground in tears, receiving support from his teammates.
In his post-match comments, Neymar reflected on the conclusion of his national team journey.
“I tried. I tried. It started here at MetLife Stadium and I finished here. It is now over.
This moment was particularly meaningful for Neymar. He made his senior debut for Brazil at this same stadium in August 2010 against the United States, where he also scored his first international goal. Sixteen years later, he concluded his international career on the same field.
Neymar retires as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals, surpassing the iconic Pelé by three goals.
Though he did not fulfill his ambition of winning the FIFA World Cup, Neymar’s status as one of Brazil’s greatest players is well established, closing a significant chapter in the nation’s football narrative.
