NEW YORK: Brazil star Neymar has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil’s exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a defeat to Norway.
Neymar, 34, came on as a substitute in the 67th minute, but it was too late to inspire a comeback as Erling Haaland scored twice to send his side into the quarter-finals.
The former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) striker scored a penalty in extra time, but it was only a consolation as Brazil bowed out of the tournament. Moments after the final whistle blew, Neymar broke down in tears.
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Following the game, Neymar confirmed that his international career had come to an end.
“I tried. I tried. It started here at Met Life Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over”, he said.
Ironically, Neymar’s final international match took place at MetLife Stadium in New York, the same venue where he earned his first Brazil cap in a friendly against the United States in 2010.
He ended his international career as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 80 goals in 129 appearances.
The 34-year-old appeared in four World Cups and competed in two Olympic tournaments. winning a silver medal in 2012 and leading Brazil to a gold medal in 2016.
There were concerns regarding his fitness as he made only two substitute appearances at the 2026 World Cup. He first made a cameo off the bench against Scotland during the group stage before scoring his only goal of the tournament from the penalty spot in stoppage time against Norway.
READ: Erling Haaland knocks out Brazil as Norway reach World Cup quarter-finals
