Brazil’s FIFA World Cup campaign came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday as Norway stunned the five-time champions with a 2-1 victory in the Round of 16. The defeat at MetLife Stadium also marked the end of Neymar’s international career, with the veteran forward announcing his retirement from Brazil duty moments after the final whistle.

The 34-year-old left the pitch in tears after scoring a stoppage-time penalty, which turned out to be his final goal for the Seleção. The emotional moment capped a remarkable 16-year journey in Brazil colours.

Neymar confirms retirement after emotional exit

Brazil had entered the knockout clash hoping to continue their bid for a sixth FIFA World Cup title. However, Norway pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament as Erling Haaland’s late double overturned the contest. Neymar converted a penalty deep into stoppage time, but it was not enough to keep Brazil alive.

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After the match, Neymar confirmed that he had played his final game for Brazil.

“I tried. I tried. It started here at Met Life Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over.”

His international career began with his senior debut in 2010 and included four FIFA World Cups, two Olympic Games and more than a decade as one of Brazil’s biggest football stars.

A career filled with records

Neymar retires as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer with 80 goals and 59 assists in 130 international appearances. He also finishes as the country’s second-highest appearance maker.

His achievements include representing Brazil at four World Cups and two Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in 2012 before captaining the team to Olympic gold on home soil in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Although he returned to the national team for the 2026 World Cup after recovering from injuries, Neymar featured only twice as a substitute, playing a combined 37 minutes. His stoppage-time penalty against Norway became the final goal of his international career.

Ancelotti looks to the future

While Neymar has stepped away from international football, he has not announced his retirement from the professional game.

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“I don’t know what will happen from now on, I don’t know about next year.

“It may be that when December comes, I’ll want to retire. I’m living year to year now. We will see what my heart decides. It depends on what my heart says later in the year,” he was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Per TOI, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said the defeat should mark the start of a rebuilding phase.

“We must continue to work and improve, and find new ideas,”

“I believe that this loss is not the end but the beginning of a new cycle.”

FAQs:

Why did Neymar retire from international football?

He announced his retirement after Brazil’s Round of 16 World Cup defeat to Norway.

How many goals did Neymar score for Brazil?

Neymar finished as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer with 80 international goals.