Brazilian football legend Neymar Jr. has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a glittering 16-year career with the Seleção following Brazil’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 34-year-old Santos forward confirmed his decision after his side’s 4-2 victory over Universidad Central in the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana knockout round playoffs, ending months of speculation over whether he would return to the national team, according to Foot-Africa.
Speaking after the match, Neymar reflected on his journey with Brazil, saying he had given everything for the national team.
“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,” he said.
Neymar’s final appearance for Brazil came in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Norway. Although he converted a stoppage-time penalty, Brazil suffered a 2-1 defeat, ending their campaign and hopes of securing a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star bows out as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer with 80 international goals, surpassing the long-standing record of 77 held by the legendary Pelé.
Since making his senior debut in 2010, Neymar represented Brazil at four FIFA World Cups, multiple Copa América tournaments, the FIFA Confederations Cup and the Olympic Games.
Among his greatest achievements in national colours were leading Brazil to victory at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and captaining the team to its first-ever Olympic men’s football gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games.
Despite his remarkable career, injuries repeatedly disrupted Neymar’s international ambitions, particularly at major tournaments. A grade-two calf injury sustained while playing for Santos ruled him out of Brazil’s opening two matches at the 2026 World Cup.
He later returned from the bench in Brazil’s final group-stage match against Scotland before making another substitute appearance in the last-16 defeat to Norway, where he scored the final goal of his international career.
Neymar’s retirement marks the end of one of the most decorated international careers in Brazilian football history, closing a memorable chapter while paving the way for a new generation of players to lead the five-time world champions into future competitions.