The injury-plagued striker scored a penalty but was unable to lead his team to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup.
Published July 6, 2026
Neymar made the announcement after he and his teammates were eliminated from the World Cup after losing 2-1 to Norway in the last 16, saying his time with the Brazilian national team is over.
“I tried,” Neymar said after Sunday’s game. “It started here at MetLife Stadium and I’m done here. I’m done.”
Neymar, 34, played his first game for Brazil on August 10, 2010, in a friendly against the United States at the Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
He is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer and, ironically, scored his first goal for his country before global soccer icon Pele.
He came on as a substitute in the match against Norway and scored a goal from a penalty kick just before the end. When the final whistle rang, he broke down in tears and had to be consoled by his teammates.
Neymar only played in two of the five games for Brazil at this tournament due to a persistent right calf injury. He also played 15 minutes in group play against Scotland.
For more than a decade, Brazil’s best player had suffered injuries in recent years that had limited his impact and slowed his development. This country is currently in a transition period where the next generation will take over.
Captain Marquinhos said: “I ask you to be patient with the new generation and support us from the beginning.”
