Brazilian forward Neymar has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil’s 2-1 Round of 16 defeat to Norway at the 2026 World Cup. The 34-year-old made his debut for the Selecao against the USA in 2010 at MetLife Stadium in New York and concluded his international career at the same venue, scoring a penalty in added time during the defeat. A visibly emotional Neymar reflected on his journey: “I tried. I tried. It started here at Met Life Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over.” Norway will now face England in the quarter-finals.
Key Points:
Neymar’s retirement marks the end of an era for Brazilian football
He concludes his international career with 79 goals, Brazil’s all-time top scorer
Brazil’s 28-year wait for a sixth World Cup title continues
The defeat to Norway was Brazil’s earliest exit since 2018
The retirement comes amid a generation shift for the Selecao
Norway will face England in the quarter-finals. Brazil must now rebuild without their all-time top scorer.
Sources: Fabrizio Romano
