Neymar ends Brazil career after heartbreaking World Cup exit

Neymar brought the curtain down on his glittering international career on Sunday, announcing his retirement from Brazil duty moments after the five-time world champions suffered a stunning 2-1 defeat to Norway in the World Cup round of 16.

According to Goal.com, the 34-year-old forward, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, fought back tears as he confirmed the match would be his final appearance for the national team, ending a 16-year international career that saw him become one of the country’s greatest-ever footballers.

Neymar scored Brazil’s only goal from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but it proved too little, too late as Erling Haaland’s second-half double secured a historic victory for Norway and eliminated the Selecao at their earliest World Cup stage since 1990.

Speaking after the match, an emotional Neymar reflected on the end of his international journey.

“I tried. I tried,” he said. “It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over.”

The defeat marked the final chapter in a remarkable Brazil career that began in 2010 and spanned 130 international appearances. During that time, Neymar scored a record 80 goals for his country, surpassing Pele to become Brazil’s leading scorer, while also providing 59 assists.

Although he never lifted the World Cup trophy, Neymar remained the focal point of Brazil’s attack for more than a decade, carrying the iconic No. 10 shirt through multiple tournaments and helping define an era of Brazilian football. He retires as the nation’s second-most capped player and one of its most influential modern stars.

His farewell came on the same ground where some of the defining moments of his international career unfolded, making the occasion even more poignant.

Brazil’s elimination also signals the beginning of a new chapter for the national team under coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose contract was recently extended until 2030. The Italian now faces the challenge of rebuilding a side without the player who had long been its creative heartbeat and attacking leader.

Despite the disappointment of another World Cup ending without the coveted title, Neymar leaves the international stage with a legacy secured by his record-breaking achievements, longevity and influence on one of football’s most successful national teams.