‘Thank you’: Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry pay emotional tributes after Neymar’s international retirement

Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry have paid tribute to Neymar following his international retirement, calling him a generational talent/ Image: X Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry, who are currently working together as star pundits and analysts for FOX Sports during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have paid tribute to Neymar following his decision to retire from international football following his round of 16 exit in Brazil. The 34-year-old confirmed Brazil’s 2-1 defeat by Norway would be his final appearance for the Seleção, ending a 16-year international career that saw him become the country’s all-time top scorer with 80 goals in 129 appearances. While Brazil’s campaign ended in disappointment, both analysts focused on Neymar’s lasting impact on the game rather than the circumstances surrounding his departure.

Henry: ‘Thank you for what you did’

Neymar announced his retirement shortly after Brazil were eliminated, having been substituted twice in the tournament. He came off the bench against Scotland in the group stage before scoring a stoppage-time penalty against Norway, his only goal of the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil’s Neymar (10) walks off the field with his teammates after the World Cup Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Talking about FOX Sports’ World Cup todayThierry Henry has highlighted Neymar’s wider impact on football.“Thanks. That’s a guy I’d pay to watch. It’s that simple,” Henry said.The former France forward added: “We can talk about tactics. We can talk about anything… but this guy could play anywhere, anytime, in any style. He could make anyone, and he made anyone, love the game with the way he was, his goals, his smile, the way he went about it and his ability.”“Every youngster wanted to be Neymar. You wanted to be Neymar. The guy changed the game by the way he played it. So I don’t want to talk about the World Cup and the way it ended. I want to talk about what he gave to the game. Neymar was and always will be an outstanding player.”“Thank you for what you did, I enjoyed it.

Ibrahimović reflects on Neymar’s legacy

Zlatan Ibrahimović also praised Neymar, highlighting both his talent and the expectations that shaped his career.“He will be remembered as a great footballer who came to Europe and before he came to Europe he was doing his thing in Brazil,” Ibrahimović said.“He did well when he was at Barcelona. He did well when he was at PSG. But I think people will also say he could have done more than he did because people wanted him to win the Ballon d’Or and he didn’t.”“But an amazing talent, an amazing player and the ability he had was just crazy. So a sad moment for Brazilian football.”

An international career is coming to an end

Neymar made his debut for Brazil in 2010 and has represented his country in four FIFA World Cups. He also took part in two Olympics, winning silver in 2012 before leading Brazil to gold on home soil in 2016.He leaves as Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 80 goals in 129 games, breaking Pelé’s long-standing record. Injuries limited him to just 37 minutes in two substitute matches at the 2026 World Cup, with his stoppage-time penalty against Norway marking the final goal of his international career.Brazil’s elimination closed a chapter on one of the defining international careers of the modern era. Norway advanced to the quarter-finals to face England after the Three Lions’ 3-2 win over Mexico.