Neymar retires from international football after Brazil’s 2-1 defeat by Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium.
The 34-year-old forward confirmed the decision after Brazil’s elimination. “It is now over,” Neymar said after the match. “I tried. I tried.”
Neymar ends his Brazil career as the men’s national team’s all-time leading scorer. He scored 80 goals in 129 international appearances after making his senior debut in 2010.
The forward represented Brazil at four FIFA World Cups and two Olympic Games. He won silver at the 2012 Olympics and captained Brazil to their first Olympic football gold at Rio 2016.
Neymar made two substitute appearances at the 2026 World Cup. He came on in Brazil’s group-stage win over Scotland.
He scored his only goal of the tournament from the penalty spot in stoppage time against Norway. The goal could not prevent Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
Read: Norway Beat Brazil 2-1 as Haaland Scores Late Double
Norway advanced to the quarter-finals with the win. They will face the winner of Mexico vs England at Miami Stadium on July 11.