An era has come to an end as Neymar announced his retirement from international football following Brazil’s World Cup elimination.
The 34-year-old confirmed his decision after Brazil’s defeat to Norway, bringing the curtain down on a glittering career with the five-time world champions.
“I tried. I tried. It started here at MetLife Stadium and I finished here. It is now over,” Neymar said after the match.
Neymar’s final appearance for the Selecao ended in heartbreak as Erling Haaland scored twice late on to inspire Norway to a historic 2-1 victory, sending the Scandinavian side into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.
The Brazilian icon scored a stoppage-time penalty—his final goal in national team colours—but it was not enough to prevent Brazil’s exit from the tournament.
Neymar retires as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, finishing his international career with 80 goals in 129 appearances. Over more than a decade representing the Selecao, he established himself as one of the country’s greatest-ever footballers, collecting numerous individual accolades while helping Brazil win major honours.
His departure marks the end of one of the most celebrated chapters in Brazilian football history, with the Selecao now preparing for a new era without one of the nation’s most iconic players.
