BREAKING - Neymar announces international retirement after Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 exit
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
The 34-year-old forward finished his international career with 130 caps for the Selecao.
Neymar announced his retirement from international football after Brazil’s exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Selecao suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Norway in their Round of 16 clash at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 5.
The Santos forward scored in the dying moments of what was his last appearance for his nation. Leo Ostigard caught Casemiro with an elbow, resulting in referee Ismail Elfath awarding the South American side a penalty.
The Selecao number 10 stepped up to take the spot-kick and slotted his shot into the bottom corner past Orjan Nyland. However, the goal proved to be nothing but mere consolation for the five-time champions, with Erling Haaland’s second-half brace firing the Vikings to the quarter-finals.
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Neymar announces retirement from Brazil national football team
“I tried. I tried,” the veteran forward told reporters after the match. “It started here at Met Life stadium and I finished here. It is now over.”
The 34-year-old finishes his career as the all-time top-scorer for the Selecao, having scored 80 goals in 130 appearances. He also has 59 assists to his name. He has won the FIFA Confederations Cup and an Olympic gold medal for the Canarinho.
He was a surprise addition to Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-player squad ahead of the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. However, the former FC Barcelona man brings the curtain down on his international career without lifting the biggest prize – the World Cup.
How many goals has Neymar scored for Brazil?
He ended his career with 130 caps and 80 goals, making him the Selecao’s all‑time top scorer.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.