Brazilian superstar Neymar has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 16-year career with the national team.
The 34-year-old Santos forward confirmed his decision after his club’s 4-2 victory over Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana knockout round playoffs. He told reporters he had given his “blood, life and passion” to Brazil and would not return to the national team.
Neymar’s final appearance for Brazil came in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Norway. He scored a stoppage-time penalty, but Brazil suffered a 2-1 defeat and was eliminated from the tournament.
The forward battled fitness problems during the World Cup after sustaining a grade two calf injury while playing for Santos. The injury forced him to miss Brazil’s opening two group-stage matches before returning later in the competition.
Neymar retires as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer with 80 international goals, surpassing Pelé’s record of 77.
Since making his senior debut in 2010, he represented Brazil at four FIFA World Cups, several Copa América tournaments, the FIFA Confederations Cup and the Olympic Games. He also helped Brazil win the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and captained the team to its first-ever Olympic men’s football gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games.
