Neymar has announced his immediate retirement from international soccer following Brazil’s 2-1 World Cup loss to Norway in the round of 16. The forward confirmed the decision moments after the match at MetLife Stadium, ending a 16-year career with the national team. He scored a late penalty in the defeat, which proved to be his final goal for Brazil. The 34-year-old left the field in tears as teammates consoled him. Brazil had aimed to advance further in pursuit of a sixth World Cup title, but Norway secured a notable upset with a late double from their striker. Neymar retires as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer with 80 goals and 59 assists in 130 appearances. His career included four World Cups and two Olympic Games, where he won gold in 2016. He made limited appearances in the 2026 tournament due to prior injuries. Although his international career has concluded, he has not ruled out continuing at club level and will decide based on his condition later in the year. Brazil’s coach stated the loss marks the start of a new cycle for the team rather than its end.
