Brazilian football star Neymar has announced his retirement from international football after Brazil’s painful 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 34-year-old confirmed that the match was his last for Brazil, ending a memorable 16-year international career. Visibly emotional after the final whistle, Neymar said his journey with the national team had come to an end.
His farewell ended on a bittersweet note. Neymar scored Brazil’s only goal from the penalty spot in stoppage time, but it was not enough to stop Norway from securing a famous victory and knocking the five-time champions out of the tournament.
Neymar leaves the national team as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 129 appearances. Since making his debut in 2010, he played in four FIFA World Cups and several Copa América tournaments, becoming one of the country’s biggest football icons.
Although he never lifted the World Cup trophy, Neymar played a key role in many of Brazil’s successes and inspired millions with his flair, creativity and attacking brilliance. Injuries disrupted some of his biggest tournaments, but his influence on Brazilian football remained unquestioned.
Following Brazil’s exit, coach Carlo Ancelotti said the team would now focus on building for the future. Meanwhile, tributes poured in from fans, teammates and football personalities, thanking Neymar for his immense contribution to the national team.
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