Neymar Announces Retirement From International Football After Brazil's Defeat To Norway In RO16 At FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil’s all-time top scorer, Neymar Junior, has announced his retirement from international football.

The 34-year-old's decision came just hours after Brazil’s heartbreaking Round of 16 defeat to Norway at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday, July 6.

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Neymar Breaks Down After Brazil's Exit

During Brazil’s defeat to Norway at the New York–New Jersey Stadium, Neymar converted a late penalty for a consolation goal in the dying minutes. The result marked Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990. Neymar broke down in tears after Brazil's exit from the World Cup 2026. 

Speaking after the match, Neymar admitted he had given his best, but now it is over.

"I tried, I tried. Now it's over. I started here, I finished here," Neymar said as quoted by ESPN.

Neymar made his Brazil debut against the United States in a friendly at MetLife Stadium in August 2010, marking the occasion with his first international goal. Sixteen years later, the 34‑year‑old scored his final international goal at the very same venue.

The 34-year-old has retired from international football as Brazil's leading scorer with 80 goals, three ahead of legendary Pelé.

Due to a right calf injury, Neymar featured in only two of Brazil’s five matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 34‑year‑old played 15 minutes against Scotland in the group stage and came off the bench in the 67th minute against Norway on Monday, June 6.

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Carlo Ancelotti Reacts To Brazil's Defeat

While speaking at the post-match press conference, Carlo Ancelotti said that the result against Norway was disappointing. He also thanked all the players in squad for working hard at the World Cup 2026.

"What I say is that we continue to do our jobs and look for new ideas. It's the same thing we did this year. It is an experience on my side, it is a very disappointing result and all of us are really saddened. But this was a great group and I have to thank my players, they worked really hard. I don't think we deserved to lose, but we have to accept it. That is football for you, that is sports. Sometimes you have to manage the sadness and bitter taste of a defeat," Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters.

He added that this result will help the Selecao to ‘fuel’ a new cycle.

"I am very used to that, but we are going to take this defeat and use it as fuel for the new cycle. Everyone is profoundly sad, as the fans are. This is normal to have those feelings, but what we have to do is react correctly," he added.

With the defeat, Brazil bow out of the FIFA World Cup 2026. On the other hand, Norway will face either Mexico or England in the Quarter-Finals.