Brazilian football superstar Neymar has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil's stunning 2-1 defeat to Norway national football team in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The emotional announcement marks the end of a remarkable 16-year journey with the Brazilian national team and closes one of the most iconic chapters in modern football.
Brazil entered the tournament as one of the favourites to lift a sixth World Cup title, but their campaign ended in heartbreak at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Norway produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, with striker Erling Haaland scoring a late brace to send the Scandinavian side into the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. Neymar, who came on as a substitute, managed to score a stoppage-time penalty, but it proved to be only a consolation goal.
Moments after the final whistle, an emotional Neymar broke down in tears before confirming that his international career had come to an end.
"I tried, I tried… now it's over. I started here and I finished here," Neymar said while speaking to reporters after the match. Ironically, the same stadium where Brazil's World Cup dream ended was also the venue where Neymar made his senior international debut against the United States in 2010.
The 34-year-old leaves international football as Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer, having scored 80 goals and provided 58 assists in 130 appearances for the Selecao. During his glittering international career, he won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and captained Brazil to its first-ever Olympic gold medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Despite his immense talent and individual brilliance, the FIFA World Cup trophy remained the one major honour that eluded him.
Neymar's final World Cup campaign was hampered by injuries. He missed Brazil's opening matches and was largely used from the bench after returning to fitness under coach Carlo Ancelotti. Nevertheless, his presence continued to inspire fans and teammates alike.
Tributes poured in from across the football world following the announcement. Former stars including Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry praised Neymar's contribution to the game, describing him as one of the defining players of his generation.
As Brazil begins a new era, Neymar departs as one of the country's greatest football icons, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable goals, dazzling skills and an enduring impact on world football.
