Neymar confirms Brazil retirement: ‘My time with the national team is over’

Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer Neymar has officially confirmed his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a glittering international career that spanned more than 16 years with the five-time FIFA World Champions.The 34-year-old announced his decision after helping Santos secure a 4-2 win over Venezuela’s Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana, ending weeks of speculation over his future following Brazil’s 2026 World Cup exit.Brazil’s campaign ended with a 1-2 defeat to Norway in the round of 16, a game which proved to be Neymar’s last appearance in the famous yellow jersey.

Neymar has confirmed his international retirement

Neymar made it clear after the Santos win that he no longer intends to represent Brazil.“My time with the national team is over. I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life, I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I don’t want to,” Neymar said after the match, as quoted by Goal.com.The statement comes just weeks after the experienced striker suggested that the World Cup defeat to Norway was likely to mark the end of his international journey.After this heartbreaking loss, Neymar said, as quoted by ESPN UK: “I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, I finished here.”Neymar went on to become Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer, finishing his international career with 80 goals and 59 assists in 130 games. His last international goal came from a penalty deep in stoppage time against Norway and served only as a consolation after Erling Haaland ended Brazil’s hopes of a record sixth World Cup title extension late on.During his time with the Selecao, Neymar also helped Brazil win the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and led the country to Olympic gold at the 2016 Rio Games, cementing his place among the country’s best footballers.

Santos star rejects dressing room criticism

Confirming his international retirement, Neymar also addressed reports that he criticized and intimidated younger Santos teammates after a recent league match.The former Brazil captain dismissed the suggestions, insisting he simply demanded higher standards after a disappointing performance.“It’s sad and annoying, but it’s not my fault. These stories affect a lot of people,” Neymar said.And he added: “I spoke after the game, I demanded better and I said we can’t afford to be so careless. You can’t give away a draw like that. As captain I have every right to say that. Lucas Verissimo and Gabigol also spoke to the players.”Despite off-field speculation, Neymar played a part in Santos’ 4-2 win over Universidad Central, helping the Brazilian side book a place in the last 16 of the Copa Sudamericana, where they will face Ecuadorian club Macara.