Neymar Jr. Retires from International Football

Brazilian football icon Neymar Jr. has officially retired from international football, concluding a 16-year career with the Brazil National Team after their elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 34-year-old Santos forward confirmed his decision following a 4-2 victory over Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana knockout round playoffs.

Neymar stated, “My time with the national team is over. I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life.” His last match for Brazil was in the Round of 16 against Norway, where he scored a stoppage-time penalty, but Brazil lost 2-1, ending their World Cup hopes.

Neymar retires as Brazil's all-time leading men's goalscorer with 80 goals, surpassing Pelé's record of 77. Throughout his international career, Neymar participated in four FIFA World Cups and various other tournaments, contributing to Brazil's 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup win and their first Olympic gold medal in men's football at the Rio 2016 Games.

His career was marred by injuries, particularly during World Cups.