Neymar retires from international football after Brazil’s World Cup exit

Brazilian football star Neymar has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16.

The 34-year-old forward confirmed his decision on Sunday after the match at MetLife Stadium, bringing an end to a distinguished international career with the five-time world champions.

“I tried, and I tried. Now it’s over. It began here, and it ends here,” Mr Neymar said in a brief interview with Brazil’s Globo Esporte after the game.

Emotional farewell

Mr Neymar came off the bench late in the match and converted a penalty deep into stoppage time, but his goal was only a consolation as Norway secured victory with two goals from Erling Haaland.

Following the final whistle, the Brazilian forward broke down in tears and was comforted by his teammates.

Remarkable international career

The Brazilian icon retires as his country’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Ironically, Mr Neymar scored his first international goal at the same MetLife Stadium during Brazil’s 2-0 victory over the United States in 2010, the venue where he also played his final match for the national team.

Injury-plagued final chapter

The former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. star, who currently plays for Santos FC, had battled injuries in recent years.

Despite concerns over his fitness, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti included him in the World Cup squad.

An injury ruled him out of Brazil’s opening two group-stage matches, but he returned as a substitute during the 3-0 victory over Scotland in Miami, marking his first international appearance since October 2023.

His final appearance came against Norway, officially ending an era for Brazilian football.