Brazilian superstar Neymar has announced the end of his international career after Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 34-year-old was introduced in the 67th minute with Brazil already trailing 2-0 but was unable to inspire a comeback. He converted a penalty deep into stoppage time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, but the goal only reduced the deficit as Brazil crashed out of the tournament.
Speaking to TV Globo after the match, Neymar confirmed he had played his final game for the Selecao.
“I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, I finished here.”
Neymar made his Brazil debut at the same stadium in August 2010, scoring in a 2-0 friendly victory over the United States.
He ends his international career as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals and made 130 appearances for the national team, second only to Cafu, who earned 142 caps.
After battling injury problems, Neymar had not featured for Brazil since 2023 before earning a recall for the 2026 World Cup. He made a late substitute appearance in Brazil’s 3-0 group-stage win over Scotland before making what is now his final international appearance against Norway.
The tournament marked Neymar’s fourth FIFA World Cup, having also represented Brazil in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.
