Brazilian football star Neymar has hinted that his international career has come to an end following Brazil’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16.
The five-time world champions crashed out of the tournament at the MetLife Stadium despite a late penalty converted by Neymar deep into stoppage time.
Norway secured victory through a brace from striker Erling Haaland, whose two goals sent the Scandinavian side into the quarter-finals while ending Brazil’s World Cup campaign.
Neymar, 34, was introduced from the bench late in the match and managed to reduce the deficit from the penalty spot, but his effort proved insufficient to spark a comeback.
Following the final whistle, the Brazilian forward appeared emotional as he broke down in tears before being comforted by his teammates.
Speaking briefly with a journalist from Brazil’s Globo Esporte after the match, Neymar suggested that his time with the national team had come to an end.
“I tried and I tried. Now it’s over. It began here and it ends here,” he said.
The remark carried added significance because the MetLife Stadium was also the venue where Neymar scored his first-ever goal for Brazil during a 2-0 victory over the United States in 2010.
Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer and has enjoyed one of the most successful international careers in the country’s history.
However, recurring injuries have significantly limited his involvement with the national team in recent years.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker, who currently plays for his boyhood club Santos, was considered a surprise inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad by head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Fitness concerns prevented Neymar from featuring in Brazil’s opening two group-stage matches at the tournament.
He eventually made his return during Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland in Miami, where he came off the bench to make his first international appearance since October 2023.
Sunday’s encounter against Norway marked only his second appearance at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Although Neymar has not officially announced his retirement from international football, his post-match comments strongly suggest that the defeat to Norway could bring an end to his remarkable journey with the Brazilian national team.
