Brazilian football star Neymar has announced his retirement from international football, ending a remarkable 16-year career with the Seleção following Brazil’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 34-year-old Santos forward confirmed his decision after his club’s 4-2 victory over Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana knockout round playoffs.
Reflecting on his international career, Neymar said:
“My time with the national team is over. I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life. I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I don’t want to anymore.”
Neymar made his final appearance for Brazil in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Norway, scoring a stoppage-time penalty in a 2-1 defeat that ended Brazil’s quest for a sixth world title.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward retires as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer with 80 international goals, surpassing Pelé’s previous record of 77.
Since making his senior debut in 2010, Neymar represented Brazil at four FIFA World Cups, several Copa América tournaments, the FIFA Confederations Cup and the Olympic Games. He played a key role in Brazil’s 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup triumph and captained the team to its first Olympic men’s football gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games.
His retirement marks the end of one of the most successful international careers in Brazilian football history.
