Brazil football star Neymar Jr. has announced his retirement from international football, ending a remarkable 16-year career with the Seleção following the team’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 34-year-old Santos forward confirmed his decision after his side’s 4-2 victory over Universidad Central in the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana knockout round playoffs, bringing an end to months of speculation over a possible return to the national team.
“My time with the national team is over.
“I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life. I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I don’t want to anymore,” Neymar told reporters.
Neymar’s final appearance for Brazil came in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 clash against Norway. He converted a stoppage-time penalty, but the strike was not enough to prevent Brazil from suffering a 2-1 defeat and ending their pursuit of a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward retires as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer, with 80 goals—surpassing Pelé’s previous record of 77.
Since making his senior debut in 2010, Neymar represented Brazil at four World Cups and featured in several Copa América tournaments, the FIFA Confederations Cup and the Olympic Games.
He played a key role in Brazil’s triumph at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and captained the country to its first Olympic men’s football gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games.
Despite his achievements, Neymar’s international career was repeatedly affected by injuries, particularly during World Cup campaigns. A grade-two calf injury suffered while playing for Santos ruled him out of Brazil’s opening two matches at the 2026 tournament.
He returned as a substitute in the final group-stage fixture against Scotland before featuring again from the bench in the last-16 defeat to Norway, where he scored his final international goal.
Neymar’s retirement marks the end of one of the most decorated careers in Brazilian football history and opens the door for a new generation of players to carry the hopes of the five-time world champions into future tournaments.
