My time with Brazil is over, Neymar retires from international football

Brazilian football icon Neymar Jr. has officially retired from international football, concluding a distinguished 16-year tenure with the Seleção. The announcement followed Brazil's exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending months of speculation about his potential return to the national team.

"My time with the national team is over," Neymar told reporters after his team's 4-2 victory over Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana knockout round playoffs. "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."

Neymar's final match for Brazil was in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Norway. Although he scored a stoppage-time penalty in the 2-1 defeat, the goal could not prevent Brazil's elimination and end their quest for a sixth World Cup title. Injuries frequently disrupted his international career, notably impacting his participation in World Cups.

He retires as Brazil's all-time leading men's goalscorer, having netted 80 goals, surpassing Pelé's record of 77. Since his senior debut in 2010, Neymar participated in four World Cups, multiple Copa América tournaments, the FIFA Confederations Cup, and the Olympic Games. He was a key player in Brazil's 2013 Confederations Cup victory and captained the team to Olympic gold in 2016.

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My time with the national team is over. 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.