Neymar quits international football after Brazil’s World Cup knockout loss

Neymar has declared his international career with Brazil over, following the team's exit from the FIFA World Cup in the round of 16. Brazil suffered a 2-1 defeat to Norway, a result that ended their tournament hopes.

"I tried. It started here, at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over," Neymar stated after the match on Sunday. The 34-year-old striker converted a penalty in the final minutes of the game, but it was not enough to secure Brazil's advancement. He was visibly emotional, collapsing in tears and requiring consolation from his teammates as the final whistle blew.

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I tried. It started here, at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over.

Neymar's participation in this World Cup was significantly hampered by a persistent right calf injury. He appeared in only two of Brazil's five matches, with his other appearance being a brief 15-minute stint against Scotland during the group stage. Injuries have increasingly limited his impact on the national team in recent years, despite him being Brazil's all-time top scorer.

Brazil now faces a period of transition as a new generation of players is expected to take over. Captain Marquinhos appealed for patience and support for the emerging talent. "We ask that people will have patience with the new generation and support them from the get-go," he said.

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We ask that people will have patience with the new generation and support them from the get-go.