Neymar has confirmed he is retiring from international football following Brazil’s early exit from the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 34-year-old Santos forward, who went into the tournament short of full fitness, made only two appearances and played limited minutes, scoring once from the penalty spot against Norway in the last 16.
Brazil were knocked out at that stage after a 2-1 defeat by the Norwegians, extending their wait for a sixth world title and a first since 2002.
Neymar was asked at the end of a post-tournament press conference whether he could envisage playing at the 2030 World Cup. He replied: “انتهت مغامرتي مع المنتخب الوطني. لقد صنعت التاريخ هناك، وانا سعيد للغاية بذلك”.
He added, as reported by French outlet Foot Mercato: “لقد خضت تجارب كثيرة. بذلت قصارى جهدي، وقاتلت دايما من اجل القميص الاصفر، لكنني اعتقد انني اكتفيت من ذلك”.
Record-breaking Brazil career
Neymar bows out as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, having found the net 80 times in 130 appearances for the national side.
He represented the Selecao at four World Cups, featuring in every edition from his debut tournament through to the 2026 finals, and became one of the central figures of the national team across more than a decade.
The forward’s World Cup swansong, however, never fully took off. Called up despite concerns over his physical condition, he was restricted to a peripheral role and could not prevent Brazil’s early departure at the hands of Norway.
Club future still to be decided
At club level, Neymar is under contract with Santos until the end of 2026. The Brazilian club where he first rose to prominence re-signed him as he returned to domestic football later in his career.
The player is expected to decide on his next move once that deal expires, but has given no indication over his club plans beyond the confirmation of his international retirement.
Neymar’s decision brings to a close a Brazil career in which he carried the hopes of a football-obsessed nation, broke the country’s long-standing goalscoring record and featured at four World Cups, but ultimately fell short of lifting the sport’s most coveted trophy.
