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An emotional Neymar announced the end of his international career on Sunday after Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 brought the team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign to a premature end.
“I tried,” the 34-year-old forward said after the match. “It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over.”
The defeat ended Brazil’s hopes of winning a record-extending sixth World Cup title and marked the final appearance in the famous yellow jersey for one of the country’s greatest players.
Neymar made his Brazil debut on Aug. 10, 2010, in a friendly against the United States at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Fittingly, he brought his international career to a close at the same venue, scoring a late penalty after coming off the bench against Norway.
Hampered by a persistent right calf injury, Neymar featured in only two of Brazil’s five matches at the tournament. He also made a brief 15-minute appearance against Scotland during the group stage.
Widely regarded as Brazil’s leading player over the past decade, Neymar has struggled with injuries in recent years, limiting his influence on the international stage. His retirement signals the start of a new era for the five-time world champions.
Brazil captain Marquinhos urged supporters to stand behind the next generation as the team begins rebuilding.
“We ask that people have patience with the new generation and support them from the beginning,” he said.
