Neymar Retires from International Football After Brazil’s Shock World Cup Exit
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 16 - Brazil v Norway - New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S. - July 5, 2026 Brazil's Neymar Jr. looks dejected as he acknowledges fans after the match as Brazil are eliminated from the World Cup REUTERS/Mike Segar
NEW YORK, July 6: Brazilian football star Neymar has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil’s surprise 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable 16-year career with the national team.
The 34-year-old forward made the emotional announcement after the match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he scored Brazil’s only goal from the penalty spot in stoppage time. Fighting back tears, Neymar said his journey with the national team had come full circle, noting that he had made his Brazil debut at the same stadium in 2010.
Brazil’s campaign ended after Norway secured a historic victory with two goals from Erling Haaland, sending the Scandinavian nation to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time. The defeat marked Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990 and extended the country’s wait for a sixth world title.
Neymar retires as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, having netted 80 goals in 130 international appearances. He also recorded 59 assists and helped Brazil win the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, while captaining the team to its first Olympic men’s football gold medal at the 2016 Rio Games.
Widely regarded as one of Brazil’s greatest players, Neymar’s international career was also marked by injuries that limited his impact in several major tournaments. His retirement closes one of the most celebrated chapters in modern Brazilian football.
