Neymar retires from international football after Brazil's World Cup exit: Reports

Brazilian superstar Neymar has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil's heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.

The 34-year-old confirmed his decision shortly after the final whistle, bringing an end to a glittering international career that spanned more than 16 years. "I tried. I tried. It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over," Neymar said, according to Brazilian media reports.

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Neymar leaves the Seleção as the all-time leading goalscorer in the history of Brazil's men's national team, having scored 80 goals in 129 appearances since making his senior debut in 2010. During his international career, he represented Brazil at four FIFA World Cups and two Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in London 2012 before captaining the hosts to Olympic gold at Rio 2016.

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At the FIFA World Cup 2026, Neymar made two substitute appearances after returning from injury. He came off the bench against Scotland in the group stage before scoring a stoppage-time penalty against Norway in what proved to be the final goal of his international career. The strike reduced the deficit to 2-1 but could not prevent Brazil from suffering their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.

Meanwhile, Norway advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in their history and will face the winner of the Mexico vs England Round of 16 clash on July 11.