Key Takeaways:
- Neymar declared his Brazil career “over” following their elimination by Norway at the 2026 World Cup
- The 34-year-old scored a late penalty in the last-16 but could not prevent a 2-1 defeat
- Neymar retires as Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 80 goals from 130 appearances
Last-16 Heartbreak Marks the End of Neymar’s International Journey
An emotional Neymar confirmed the end of his illustrious international career after Brazil’s 2-1 defeat by Norway at the 2026 World Cup last-16 stage, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The forward entered the match as a 67th minute substitute with his side trailing by two goals, but was unable to turn the result around. Neymar did convert a penalty deep into stoppage time, giving Brazil a late consolation, yet it was not enough to rescue their World Cup campaign.
Speaking to TV Globo following the match, Neymar stated: “I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, I finished here.”
🚨🚨 BREAKING: Neymar announces his RETIREMENT FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL. 👋🏼🇧🇷
“I tried. I tried. It started here at Met Life stadium and I finished here. It is now over”, Ney said after the game.
His story with the Brazilian national team is over. pic.twitter.com/vPIFflyJHq
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 5, 2026
A Career Starts and Ends at MetLife Stadium
Neymar’s journey with the national team fittingly began at the same venue back in August 2010, when he found the net in a 2-0 friendly victory over the United States. His latest appearance ironically brings his Brazil story full circle, closing out a distinguished international career at MetLife Stadium.
Record-Breaking Career and Recent Struggles
Throughout his time with the Selecao, Neymar became Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 80 goals and earned 130 caps, putting him second only to Cafu, who has 142 appearances. Injury struggles meant Neymar had not featured for Brazil since 2023 until his call-up for the 2026 tournament. At this World Cup, he made a substitute appearance in the 3-0 group phase win over Scotland before playing again against Norway.
Neymar’s World Cup Legacy
This summer marked Neymar’s fourth appearance at a World Cup, having previously featured at the tournaments in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Despite his individual success and influence, ultimate team glory at the global showpiece eluded him. His final act in a Brazil shirt – scoring from the penalty spot in added time against Norway – offers a poignant end to one of international football’s outstanding careers.
