Brazilian superstar Neymar has brought his international career to a close, announcing his retirement from the national team after Brazil were eliminated in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, losing 1-2 to Norway, drawing the curtain on a lengthy chapter in the "Seleção" shirt.
Neymar confirmed the decision after the match, indicating that his journey with the national team had reached its end. "I have tried time and again and given everything I have, but now it is all over. My journey began here, and here too I draw the curtain on my career," he said.
The retirement announcement came hours after Brazil's exit from the tournament at Norway's hands, in a match in which Neymar scored Brazil's only goal from the penalty spot after coming on as a substitute in the second half — but it was not enough to avoid elimination from the World Cup.
Neymar concluded his international career having appeared in 130 matches for Brazil, scoring 80 goals and providing 57 assists, totalling 137 goal contributions, as he departs the national team as one of the most prominent players in its history.
Neymar was unable to fulfil his dream of winning the World Cup throughout his international career, with his journey with the "Seleção" ending at the 2026 edition following an early exit in the round of 16 against Norway.