Neymar has announced the end of his international career following Brazil’s shock defeat to Norway in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
The 34 year old came off the bench in the 67th minute with Brazil already trailing 2-0 but was unable to prevent the Selecao from crashing out of the tournament.
Neymar scored a penalty deep into stoppage time at MetLife Stadium but the goal proved only a consolation as Norway secured a famous victory.
Speaking after the match, Neymar confirmed his international journey had come to an end.
“I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, I finished here,” he said in an interview with TV Globo following Brazil’s elimination.
Neymar made his Brazil debut in August 2010 at the same stadium where his international career ended, scoring in a 2-0 friendly victory over the United States.
He leaves the national team as Brazil’s all time leading scorer with 80 goals and the country’s second most capped player with 130 appearances, behind only Cafu’s 142.
The forward had not featured for Brazil since 2023 due to injury problems before earning a place in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.
He made his return as a late substitute in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland in the group stage, while his appearance against Norway proved to be his final outing in Brazilian colours.
Neymar featured in four World Cups during his international career, representing Brazil at the 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 tournaments.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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