Neymar has declared his retirement from Brazil’s national team after the side exited the FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 loss to Norway in the round of 16. The 34-year-old ended his 16-year international career immediately after the final whistle, stating that his time with the Selecao had concluded.
The decision followed an emotional evening in New Jersey. Brazil fell to Erling Haaland’s late goals despite Neymar converting a stoppage-time penalty. In comments after the match, he said he had pushed hard to return for one last World Cup but accepted that his international chapter was finished.
“I tried and tried, but now it’s over,” Neymar said. “I started here and I ended here.”
The result concluded a difficult tournament for the player, who joined the squad while recovering from injury and missed early games before returning as a substitute against Scotland and Norway.
His last goal for Brazil came from the penalty spot in added time against Norway, though it could not prevent elimination.
Neymar departs as the men’s record goalscorer for Brazil with 80 goals in 129 appearances since his debut in 2010. He featured in four World Cups, won the 2013 Confederations Cup and the 2016 Olympic gold medal on home soil.
Injuries often disrupted his major tournaments, yet he remained central to the team and produced standout performances that placed him among Brazil’s leading players.
After the final whistle against Norway, Neymar stood still before breaking down. Teammates offered support as the campaign ended under coach Carlo Ancelotti.
His final action in a Brazil shirt was the converted penalty. The loss also ended Brazil’s tournament run after an early knockout-stage exit.
