Neymar Announces Retirement from International Football After World Cup Exit
Neymar Confirms End of International Career
Santos, Brazil - July 29: Brazilian football icon Neymar has effectively declared his retirement from international play, revealing that he no longer plans to represent his country.
Following Santos' 4-2 win against Venezuela's Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana, Neymar expressed his sentiments about his international career, stating that he feels he has left a significant mark with the national team. He reflected on his experiences, emphasizing that he dedicated himself fully to Brazil and the iconic yellow jersey but has decided to step away from international duties.
"My journey with the national team has concluded. I believe I’ve made my mark there and have enjoyed my time immensely. I have given everything, fought for the yellow jersey, but I feel it’s time to move on," he shared, as reported by a popular sports outlet.
These comments come shortly after Neymar suggested that Brazil's 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 would likely be his last match for the national side.
Brazil's aspirations for a record sixth World Cup title were dashed when Erling Haaland's late goals led Norway to victory, with Neymar's stoppage-time penalty only serving as a consolation.
In the aftermath of the loss, Neymar told the media, "I tried my best. Now it’s over. I began my journey here, and I’m ending it here."
His penalty, scored in the 10th minute of added time after a foul on Casemiro, marked his first goal of the tournament, bringing his international tally to 80 goals and 59 assists in 130 matches, solidifying his status as Brazil's all-time leading scorer.
Throughout his tenure with the Selecao, Neymar contributed to Brazil's triumph in the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013 and secured an Olympic gold medal during the Rio 2016 Games.
Despite fitness concerns that cast doubt on his participation in the 2026 World Cup, head coach Carlo Ancelotti included him in the 26-man squad, hoping his experience would guide Brazil to a successful tournament.
However, Brazil's campaign ended dramatically, with Norway, gaining confidence, withstood Brazilian pressure before Haaland scored the opening goal in the 79th minute.
This defeat marked Brazil's seventh consecutive World Cup knockout loss to European teams and their earliest exit since 1990, while Neymar's heartfelt farewell signifies the end of an era that has shaped Brazilian football for over a decade.