Neymar signals Brazil farewell after shock World Cup exit to Norway
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Neymar indicated his international career with Brazil may be over after their World Cup exit.
- He scored a penalty in Brazil's 2-1 loss to Norway in the round of 16, extending the team's title drought.
- Neymar's potential retirement would conclude his Brazil career with 80 goals in 130 appearances.
Neymar has hinted that his time representing Brazil may have concluded following the team's unexpected elimination from the World Cup. The star forward scored a stoppage-time penalty in the round of 16 match against Norway, which Brazil lost 2-1, thereby extending the five-time champions' long wait for a sixth title.
Speaking to Brazilian channel ge tv after the match, a visibly emotional Neymar suggested his international journey had reached its end. "I tried, I tried ... Now it's over! I started here, I finished here," he said, referencing the New Jersey stadium where he made his Brazil debut in 2010. The 34-year-old forward was moved to tears by the result, which marks Brazil's worst World Cup performance since 1990.
This potential retirement means Brazil faces its longest period without a World Cup title, projected to reach 28 years by 2030. If Neymar confirms his decision, he will end his international career with an impressive record of 80 goals and 58 assists across 130 appearances for his country. Despite numerous club titles, his sole senior trophy with the national team remains the 2013 Confederations Cup.
I tried, I tried ... Now it's over! I started here, I finished here.
Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.