‘It’s over’: Neymar hints at retirement after World Cup elimination

Brazil’s Neymar Junior has signalled an end to his 16-year international career after the crushing defeat to Norway in the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 in New Jersey on Monday.

Neymar, who came on as a second-half substitute, scored a penalty in stoppage time but it wasn’t enough as Erling Haaland’s brace sent Norway through to the quarterfinal for the very first time in their history.

Neymar broke down in tears after the match, was consoled by his teammates as he walked back inside.

In the mixed zone – where players interact with the media post-match – the 34-year-old signalled that he has reached the end of his road as a Brazil player.

“I tried, I tried. Now it's over. I started here, I finished here,” Neymar told Brazil’s GE TV.

Neymar had made his debut for Brazil in 2010 at the same venue in a friendly against the US.

The Santos forward had earlier hinted on social media prior to the tournament that this will be his ‘last dance’ in World Cups.

This was his fourth World Cup for Brazil and reaching the semifinal of the 2014 World Cup remains his best finish in the tournament.