Neymar Says Brazil Career Is Over After Norway Defeat

Brazilian star Neymar has confirmed that his international career is over following Brazil’s defeat to Norway in the 2026 World Cup round of 16.

The 34-year-old forward came on as a 67th-minute substitute with Brazil already trailing 2–0. Although he managed to score a penalty in stoppage time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, it was not enough to prevent Brazil’s elimination from the tournament.

Speaking in an emotional post-match interview with TV Globo, Neymar reflected on what appears to be his final appearance for the national team.

“I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, I finished here,” he said.

Neymar’s international journey began at the same stadium in 2010, when he scored on his debut in a 2–0 friendly victory against the United States. Over the years, he developed into Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 130 appearances, placing him second on the nation’s all-time appearance list behind Cafu.

The forward had been absent from the national team since 2023 due to recurring injuries but was recalled for the 2026 World Cup squad. He featured briefly in the group stage against Scotland before making his final appearance against Norway.

Neymar has represented Brazil in four World Cups — 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 — marking the end of a long international career that saw him become one of the country’s most influential modern players.