Neymar says Brazil career over after Norway defeat
Neymar announced his international retirement after Brazil's 2026 World Cup last-16 loss to Norway, stating his career with the national team is finished.
An emotional Neymar declared his international career for Brazil is over following the team's elimination at the hands of Norway in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. The 34-year-old entered the match as a 67th-minute substitute with Brazil trailing 2-0 and could not turn the tide, though he scored a penalty deep into stoppage time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. That goal proved only a consolation in what appears to be his final appearance for the Selecao.
"I tried, I tried. Now it's over. I started here, I finished here," Neymar told TV Globo after the game. His Brazil debut came at the same venue in August 2010, when he scored in a 2-0 friendly win against the United States.
Neymar leaves as Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 80 goals, and his 130 caps rank second only to Cafu's 142. He had not played for Brazil since 2023 due to injury struggles before being selected for the 2026 World Cup squad. He featured as a late substitute in the final group match, a 3-0 win over Scotland, and his only other tournament outing was against Norway. This was his fourth World Cup, having also represented Brazil in 2014, 2018, and 2022.
