Neymar says Brazil career over after World Cup exit

An emotional Neymar said his international career for Brazil is "over" after his side's defeat by Norway in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. The 34-year-old came on as a 67th-minute substitute with Brazil trailing 2-0 but could not prevent the Selecao from being eliminated.

Neymar scored a penalty deep into added time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, but it proved only a consolation in what is set to be his final appearance for his country. "I tried, I tried. Now it's over. I started here, I finished here," Neymar told TV Globo after the match.

Full-circle moment at MetLife Stadium

Neymar's debut for Brazil came at the same stadium in August 2010, when he scored in a 2-0 friendly win against the United States. He went on to become Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 80 goals, while his 130 appearances rank second on the all-time list behind Cafu's 142.

Injury-plagued return

Neymar had not played for Brazil since 2023 amid struggles with injuries before being selected for the 2026 World Cup squad. He came on as a late substitute in Brazil's final group game — a 3-0 win against Scotland — and his only other outing at the tournament was against Norway. This was his fourth World Cup, having also played in 2014, 2018 and 2022.

Brazil's future after Neymar

The defeat leaves Brazil facing a major rebuild. The aging squad requires significant changes, and questions remain over whether manager Carlo Ancelotti is the right man to lead that transition.