Softfootball can confirm Brazilian superstar Neymar has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to one of the most iconic careers in the history of the Seleção.
The emotional announcement came moments after Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a result that condemned the five-time world champions to their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
Despite converting a late penalty to reduce the deficit, Neymar was unable to prevent Brazil’s elimination as Erling Haaland scored twice to send Norway into the quarter-finals.
After the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, the 34-year-old collapsed to the turf in tears before being comforted by his teammates.
Speaking after the match, Neymar confirmed that his journey with the national team had come to an emotional end.
“I tried. I tried. It started here at MetLife Stadium and I finished here. It is now over.
The moment carried special significance for the Brazilian legend. Neymar made his senior debut for Brazil at the same stadium in August 2010 against the United States, scoring his first international goal on that memorable occasion. Sixteen years later, his international career ended on the very same ground.
Neymar leaves the national team as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 80 goals, surpassing the legendary Pelé by three goals.
Although his dream of lifting the FIFA World Cup never became reality, Neymar’s legacy as one of Brazil’s finest players is firmly secured, closing the curtain on an unforgettable chapter in Brazilian football history.
