Brazilian football icon Neymar has indicated that his international career may have come to an end after Brazil bowed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16.
The loss ended Brazil’s quest for a record sixth World Cup title and marked an emotional night for the country’s all-time leading goalscorer. After the final whistle at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Neymar appeared to bid farewell to the national team.
Speaking briefly to Brazil’s Globo Esporte, the 34-year-old said: “I tried and I tried. Now it’s over. It began here and it ends here.”
Although Neymar has not officially announced his retirement from international football, his emotional remarks have fuelled widespread belief that he has played his final match for Brazil.
The experienced forward came on as a late substitute with Brazil chasing the game after Norway had taken control through a brilliant performance from Erling Haaland, who scored both goals for his side.
Neymar converted a penalty deep into stoppage time to reduce the deficit, but it was too late to prevent Norway from securing a historic victory and advancing to the World Cup quarter-finals.
At the final whistle, Neymar fell to the ground in tears and was consoled by teammates as disappointed Brazilian fans watched from the stands.
The moment was especially symbolic because the same stadium was where Neymar scored his first international goal for Brazil in a 2-0 victory over the United States in 2010. Sixteen years later, it may also have been the venue for his final appearance in Brazil’s famous yellow shirt.
Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad had surprised many after injuries limited his appearances over the past few years. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star, who now plays for Santos, missed Brazil’s opening two group-stage matches before returning as a substitute in the team’s 3-0 victory over Scotland.
His appearance against Norway was only his second match of the tournament and his first international outing since October 2023.
Despite his injury struggles, Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer and one of the country’s greatest footballers. His international career has been filled with memorable goals, dazzling performances and major achievements, even though a World Cup title ultimately eluded him.
Brazil will now turn its attention to rebuilding after another disappointing World Cup campaign under head coach Carlo Ancelotti, while football fans around the world reflect on what could be the international farewell of one of the sport’s most celebrated stars.
Whether Neymar formally announces his retirement in the coming days or not, his emotional words after Brazil’s defeat suggest that an extraordinary chapter in Brazilian football history has come to a close.
