Santos FC forward Neymar da Silva Santos Junior has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The veteran player came off the bench to feature in Brazil’s shock 2-1 loss to Norway and scored what turned out to be Brazil’s consolation off a converted penalty late in the game at the MetLife Stadium.
Norway striker Erling Haaland scored both goals in the win that sets up a quarterfinal between Norway and England on Saturday, July 11.
Neymar played a bit part role in Brazil’s run in the 2026 World Cup after recovering from a calf injury during the tournament at the group phase.
After the game, Neymar indicated to Globo that his career with Brazil was over by stating that, “I tried, I tried. Now, it’s over. I started here; I finished here.”
Neymar made his debut with Brazil at the Metlife Stadium in August 2010 and his goal against Norway on June 5, 2026 seemed like his last for Brazil.
He is the record World Cup winners’ all-time leading goal scorer with 80 goals.
