Neymar announces retirement from Brazil national team
Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. has ended his international career after a long and celebrated journey with the national team. The forward confirmed his decision following Brazil’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, closing a chapter that spanned 16 years. Neymar retires as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer, surpassing the legendary Pelé. His decision marks a significant moment for Brazilian football as a new era begins.
Match highlights
- Neymar Jr. announced his retirement from international football after Brazil’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- He confirmed his decision following a 4-2 win over Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana knockout round playoffs.
- Neymar scored his final goal for Brazil with a stoppage-time penalty in the 2-1 loss to Norway in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
- He retires as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer with 80 goals, surpassing Pelé’s record of 77.
- His international career included four FIFA World Cups, multiple Copa América tournaments, the FIFA Confederations Cup, and an Olympic gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games.
