Neymar announces retirement after Brazil crash out to Norway

Brazil’s all-time leading scorer Neymar announced his retirement from international football on Sunday after the five-time champions crashed out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium. The 34-year-old forward called time on his international career moments after Brazil’s hopes of winning a sixth World Cup title were ended by Erling Haaland’s late brace. Neymar scored a stoppage-time penalty, but it proved to be only a consolation. Reflecting on the end of his international journey, Neymar told reporters, as quoted by ESPN UK, “I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here; I finished here.” The final whistle brought more than just Brazil's World Cup exit—it brought Neymar to tears, the veteran forward sank to his knees in prayer before breaking down, with emotional scenes from the pitch quickly going viral.

Heartbreak for Neymar. His final World Cup ends in tears after Brazil’s crushing exit. @TheDamiForeign @thebigdammy #BelongWithMSport #MSportWorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/jUmXGdFf9X

— Nosacamid (@NOSACAMID) July 5, 2026

The penalty, converted in the 10th minute of added time after Leo Ostigard was penalised for fouling Casemiro, was Neymar’s first goal of the tournament. It took his international tally to 80 goals and 59 assists in 130 appearances, extending his record as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. Neymar’s retirement brings the curtain down on one of the most celebrated international careers in Brazilian football. He helped Brazil win the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013 and also claimed Olympic gold on home soil at the Rio 2016 Games.