EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Neymar announced his retirement from international football on Sunday after Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, bringing an end to a distinguished career with the Seleção.
The 34-year-old forward confirmed his decision moments after Brazil’s elimination, saying his journey with the national team had come full circle.
“I tried,” Neymar said. “It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over.”
Neymar made his Brazil debut on Aug. 10, 2010, in a friendly against the United States at the same stadium in New Jersey where he played his final international match.
He came off the bench against Norway and converted a late penalty, but Brazil’s five-time world champions were unable to avoid their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
Limited by a recurring right calf injury, Neymar featured in only two of Brazil’s five matches at the 2026 World Cup. He also made a 15-minute substitute appearance in the group-stage victory over Scotland.
Brazil captain Marquinhos paid tribute to Neymar’s contribution while calling on supporters to back the next generation of players.
“We ask that people have patience with the new generation and support them from the beginning,” Marquinhos said.
Neymar leaves the national team after more than 15 years as one of Brazil’s defining players, closing the chapter on an international career that began in 2010 and included multiple World Cup appearances and numerous individual milestones.
Source: Saudi Gazette