End of an Era: Neymar Announces Brazil Retirement Following World Cup Defeat

06/07/2026

End of an Era: Neymar Announces Brazil Retirement Following World Cup Defeat

SAO PAULO, Jul 6: Brazilian football superstar Neymar has announced his retirement from international football after Brazil's shocking 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, bringing an emotional end to one of the country's most celebrated international careers.

Speaking to reporters after the match on Sunday, the 34-year-old confirmed that he had played his final game for Brazil.

"I tried. I tried. It started here at MetLife Stadium and I finished here. It is now over," Neymar said.

The veteran forward broke down in tears after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and was comforted by his teammates as Brazil's World Cup campaign came to a heartbreaking end.

Neymar scored Brazil's only goal from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but the late strike was not enough to stop Norway from securing a historic victory. The win sent Norway into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in the nation's history while eliminating the five-time world champions.

Neymar retires as Brazil's all-time leading international goalscorer, having scored 80 goals in 130 appearances since making his senior debut in 2010. He began his professional career with Santos FC in 2009 and was a key figure in Brazil's Olympic gold medal-winning team at the 2016 Rio Games.

His retirement marks the end of a remarkable 16-year international career, during which he established himself as one of the greatest players ever to wear the famous yellow jersey.