Neymar has officially decided to retire from international football, bringing the curtain down on his legendary career with the Brazil national team following the Seleção‘s shocking round-of-16 exit against Norway at the 2026 World Cup.
The 34-year-old superstar was included in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad amid intense debate. He only featured for limited minutes throughout the tournament, with his final appearance coming against Norway at MetLife Stadium, where he scored a late consolation penalty.
Speaking emotionally after the final whistle, Neymar said:
“I tried everything. My international journey started here at MetLife Stadium, and it ends here as well. Now, it’s over.”
Neymar’s Historic International Career Stats
Neymar made his senior international debut back in 2010 against the United States, scoring in a -20 friendly victory.
Since then, the former Barcelona and PSG icon went on to earn 130 caps for Brazil, netting an incredible 80 goals and providing 59 assists. His best World Cup achievement came in 2014 when Brazil finished fourth on home soil.
Throughout his 16-year career with the senior national team, Neymar won one major trophy: the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. He also famously led the Under-23 Olympic squad to a historic Gold Medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
