Neymar Jr. has announced his retirement from international football after the end of Brazil’s World Cup campaign. Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano announced the decision after losing to Norway 2-1 in the last sixteen matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“I tried, I really tried,” Neymar said on social media. My journey started at this MetLife Stadium, and I finished it today. Everything is over now.”
The end of a sixteen-year international career
Neymar has played in international football for sixteen years since making his Brazil national team debut in 2010. At this time, he said:
He has played 129 international matches for Brazil.
He has scored eight goals in the history of the country.
He participated in four World Cups.
Silver at the 2012 Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics have played an important role in winning gold medals.
Although the dream of winning the World Cup has remained intact, his career as one of the best players in Brazil has ended.
The last World Cup
Neymar did not get a regular place in the 2026 World Cup due to injury and fitness problems. He:
He has only played two games as a player.
He scored his only goal in the tournament from a penalty in the added time in the last sixteen matches against Norway.
However, his goal could not save Brazil from the loss.
Brazil’s World Cup disappoints
Brazil again withdrew from the World Cup after losing 2-1 against Norway. In the same match, Norway secured a place in the quarter-finals for the first time and Neymar’s international career also ended.