Neymar has doubled down on his retirement in Brazil, saying I don’t think I want it anymore

Brazil great Neymar has all but confirmed the end of his international career, saying he no longer wishes to represent the national team following their disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.

The 34-year-old made the revelation after Santos’ 4-2 win over Venezuela’s Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana on Tuesday, weeks after hinting that Brazil’s last 16 defeat to Norway would be his last appearance in the famous yellow jersey.

“I think my time with the national team has already passed. I made history there and I’m very happy for it. I experienced a lot there, gave blood and life and always fought and fought for the yellow jersey. But I think I don’t want it anymore,” Reuters quoted Neymar after the match.

These remarks reinforced what many had already suspected Brazil’s exit from the World Cup. Moments after the 2-1 loss to Norway on July 5, emotional Neymar has hinted that his international journey is over.

After coming off the bench to score a penalty in stoppage time, the forward told Brazilian TV *ge*: “I tried, I tried. Now it’s all over.”

A BITTERSWEET HERITAGE

Brazil’s exit marked their earliest exit from the World Cup since 1990 and extended the five-time champions’ wait for a record sixth World Cup title.

Despite the disappointing end, Neymar leaves behind one of the best international careers in the history of Brazilian football. The striker has represented the Selecao at four FIFA World Cups and leaves as the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer. Neymar scored for Brazil in the dying minutes of the match against Norway, but it was in vain. (Image: Reuters)

In more than 130 games, Neymar scored 80 goals and registered 58 assists, constantly carrying the attacking load for Brazil for more than a decade on the international stage.

A BROKEN CAREER

Neymar was a huge success at club level, playing for Santos before winning big with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. His dazzling skills, creativity and goals have made him one of the defining footballers of his generation.

However, the same level of silverware proved elusive with the national team. His only senior international title came at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, despite several major successes at major tournaments and several attempts to claim a long-awaited sixth World Cup crown in Brazil.

While Neymar must officially announce his retirement through the Brazilian Football Confederation, his latest comments leave little room for doubt. One of Brazil’s greatest players of all time looks set to close a chapter on an international career that has inspired millions and rewritten the country’s records.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

29 Jul 2026 21:26 IST