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Neymar Bows Out of International Football After Brazil’s World Cup Exit
Brazilian superstar Neymar has called time on his international career, bringing an end to a memorable 16-year journey with the Seleção following Brazil’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The announcement came shortly after Brazil’s unexpected 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16, a result that ended the South American giants’ quest for a sixth world title. Neymar, who started the match on the bench, found the net from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but his goal was not enough to inspire a comeback.
After the final whistle, the 34-year-old confirmed that his time in Brazil’s famous yellow jersey had come to an end.
He said:
“I tried. I tried. It started here at MetLife Stadium and I finished here. It is now over.”
🚨🚨 BREAKING: Neymar announces his RETIREMENT FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL. 👋🏼🇧🇷
“I tried. I tried. It started here at Met Life stadium and I finished here. It is now over”, Ney said after the game.
His story with the Brazilian national team is over. pic.twitter.com/vPIFflyJHq
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 5, 2026
Neymar leaves the national team as one of the country’s greatest-ever players. During his international career, he made 130 appearances, scored a record 80 goals and registered 59 assists, making him Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Although he enjoyed major successes with Brazil, including winning the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and helping the country claim Olympic gold on home soil at the Rio 2016 Games, the FIFA World Cup trophy remained the one prize that eluded him.
Across four World Cup appearances, injuries and painful knockout defeats repeatedly interrupted Neymar’s pursuit of football’s biggest honour, denying him the opportunity to guide Brazil to another global triumph.
His retirement also signals the close of an era for the five-time world champions, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti now expected to oversee the next generation of Brazilian stars following the team’s disappointing exit from the tournament.