Neymar retires from Brazil national team after World Cup round-of-16 loss to Norway
The 34-year-old forward announced his international retirement after Brazil's 2-1 loss to Norway in the World Cup round of 16, ending a 16-year career with the Seleção.
World Cup exit
Brazil were eliminated from the World Cup after a 2-1 defeat by Norway in the round of 16 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Erling Haaland scored twice for the Norwegians. Neymar, who started on the bench because of a calf injury, came on as a substitute and converted a penalty deep into stoppage time. The result marks Brazil's earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
Neymar's announcement
After the final whistle, an emotional Neymar spoke to Brazilian television.
The stadium is the same venue where he made his senior debut for Brazil in a friendly against the United States on 9 August 2010. He was in tears on the pitch as the reality of the moment set in.I tried, I tried. Now it's over. I started here, I finished here.
Career in numbers
Neymar ends his international career with 130 appearances, 80 goals and 58 assists. He is Brazil's all-time leading scorer, having surpassed Pelé. His only senior trophy with the national team remains the 2013 Confederations Cup. The Seleção are now heading towards their longest spell without a World Cup title; by 2030 it will be 28 years since they last lifted the trophy.
- Makes Brazil debut in friendly vs USA at MetLife Stadium
- Wins his only senior trophy with Brazil
- Suffers serious injury, sidelined for over a year
- Recalled to national team by coach Carlo Ancelotti
- Scores penalty in 2-1 World Cup loss to Norway, announces retirement
Ancelotti's role
Coach Carlo Ancelotti had called up Neymar for the tournament despite the player having been sidelined since late 2023 with a serious injury. The Italian admitted Neymar was not satisfied with his role but praised his professionalism.
Neymar appeared in only two of Brazil's five matches, logging 15 minutes against Scotland in the group stage and the closing minutes against Norway.He is a very important figure in the team because he has quality and is a very humble person.
Penalty drama
Before his spot-kick, Neymar taunted Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, telling him to pick a side. He then sent the keeper the wrong way and celebrated briefly, but the goal only reduced the deficit to 2-1. Captain Marquinhos appealed for patience with the next generation.
We ask that people will have the patience with the new generation and support them from the get-go.
