Neymar has announced his retirement from international soccer, bringing an end to a 16-year career with the Brazil national team. The 34-year-old forward, who is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 130 appearances, confirmed his decision following the country's 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 at the recent World Cup.
Speaking after Santos’ 4-2 victory over Venezuela’s Universidad Central in a Copa Sudamericana match on July 29, Neymar reiterated that he no longer wishes to represent Brazil. “I think my time with the national team has already passed,” he said. “I made history there, and I’m very happy about it. I experienced a lot there, gave my blood and my life, and always fought and battled for the yellow jersey. But I don’t think I want it anymore.”
The Brazilian forward had earlier suggested his international career was over in the immediate aftermath of Brazil’s unexpected World Cup elimination on July 5, describing the conclusion as a personal end. “I tried, I tried. Now it’s over,” Neymar said during an interview with Brazilian broadcaster ge. He scored a stoppage-time penalty as a substitute in that match but was visibly emotional after the defeat, which marked Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
Over his international career, Neymar participated in four World Cups and played a significant role in Brazil’s attack, also contributing 58 assists. Despite his individual accomplishments and glittering club career—featuring spells with Santos, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain—his only senior title with Brazil remains the 2013 Confederations Cup.
Neymar’s current club, Santos, with whom he is contracted until the end of 2026, is battling relegation in the Brazilian league. The forward scored twice in his first appearance following the World Cup, celebrating with a card-dealing gesture. He has recently faced some criticism for participating in a poker tournament while Santos’ teammates were competing in the Copa Sudamericana in Venezuela.
As Neymar closes the chapter on his international career, Brazil now faces the task of rebuilding its national team as it looks ahead to future competitions without one of its most iconic players.