Neymar announced on Sunday, July 5, 2026, that he was stepping away from international football following Brazil’s shock last-16 defeat to Norway.
The five-time World Cup champions exited the tournament after a disappointing performance in which Norway prevailed, bringing an abrupt end to Brazil’s campaign and, according to Neymar, to his run with the national team.
The decision marks the end of an era for one of Brazil’s most influential players. Neymar, who has been a central figure for Seleção for more than a decade, leaves international football with a record of memorable goals, creative brilliance, and periods of intense scrutiny over injuries and off-field issues.
His retirement will prompt a significant rebuilding phase for Brazil as they look to refresh a squad that failed to meet expectations at this World Cup.
Neymar came on as a late substitute at MetLife Stadium and scored a penalty deep in injury time, but that was a mere consolation after Erling Haaland netted twice for Norway, and Brazil lost 2-1.
AFP reports that the 34-year-old is Brazil’s all-time top scorer, and, ironically, he got his first goal for his country in the same stadium, in a 2-0 win against the United States back in 2010.
“I tried, and I tried. Now it’s over. It began here, and it ends here,” Neymar said in a brief exchange with a journalist from Brazil’s Globo Esporte after the game.
He collapsed in tears when the final whistle went and had to be consoled by teammates.
Worn down by injuries in recent years, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player, now back at his first club, Santos, was a surprise inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the World Cup.
Injury, also according to the report, prevented him from featuring in Brazil’s first two group games at the tournament, but he did come on in the 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami, which completed the opening round.
That was his first international appearance since October 2023, but his only other appearance in the United States came Sunday against Norway.
Fans and pundits are already debating what Neymar’s departure means for Brazil’s future and for his legacy.
While some will remember his dazzling individual skill and match-winning moments, others will point to the missed opportunity of a World Cup title.
Regardless, his absence will be felt in the national squad and in world football conversations for years to come.
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