Neymar announces retirement from Brazil national team, says 'It's over'

Published Jul 7, 07:31 AM UTC

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An emotional Neymar announced his retirement from international football following Brazil's 2-1 defeat by Norway in the 2026 World Cup last-16. The 34-year-old forward, who came on as a 67th-minute substitute, scored a late consolation penalty but said 'It's over' in a post-match interview with TV Globo. Neymar debuted for Brazil at the same stadium in 2010 against the United States. He leaves as Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 80 goals in 130 appearances, second only to Cafu in caps. Injury struggles had limited his appearances since 2023, and this was his fourth World Cup, having also played in 2014, 2018, and 2022.

Source report

By Mandeep Sanghera, BBC Sport journalist

An emotional Neymar has stated that his international career for Brazil is "over" following his side's 2-1 defeat by Norway in the World Cup round of 16.

The 34-year-old came on as a 67th-minute substitute in the last-16 tie, scoring a late penalty that proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

"I tried, I tried. Now it's over. I started here, I finished here," — Neymar, speaking to TV Globo after Brazil's elimination

Career Milestones

Debut: Neymar first played for Brazil in August 2010 at the same stadium, scoring in a 2-0 friendly win against the United States.
All-time top scorer: He has scored 80 goals for Brazil, more than any other player in the nation's history.
Appearances: With 130 caps, he ranks second on Brazil's all-time list, behind Cafu (142).

Recent History

Neymar had not played for Brazil since 2023 due to a series of injuries before being selected for the 2026 World Cup squad. His only appearances at this summer's tournament came as a late substitute in Brazil's 3-0 group-stage win against Scotland and the defeat to Norway.

This was his fourth World Cup, having also represented Brazil at the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments.

Image caption: Neymar has played at four World Cup tournaments

Figure caption: Brazil's elimination leaves Neymar in tears

Related: Ageing Brazil need major surgery — but is Ancelotti the man to do it?
Related: 'Extraordinary' Haaland fires Norway into World Cup Quarter-Finals

Source

BBC SportWestern

Original headline: Neymar says Brazil career over after Norway defeat

Original language: EN-GB

Part of this Story

Neymar Retires from Brazil National Team After 2026 World Cup Exit

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