Neymar has officially confirmed his retirement from international football, ending a 16-year career with the Brazil national team following their exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 34-year-old Santos forward made the announcement after his side’s 4-2 victory over Universidad Central in the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana knockout round playoffs, putting an end to speculation that he could make a return to the national team.
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Speaking after the match, Neymar said his journey with Brazil had come to an end.
“My time with the national team is over,” Neymar told reporters.
“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.”
The superstar played his last match in the Round of 16 exit, in which Brazil lost 2-1 to Norway, with Neymar scoring a consolation penalty before being surrounded by tearful teammates at full-time.
His inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad had surprised many, given that he was still working his way back from injury at the time of selection.
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Neymar finished his international career as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals, going past the record previously held by Pelé.
Across 130 caps, he also contributed 58 assists, figures that underline his dominance as the most prolific Brazilian ever to represent the Seleção.
