‘My time with the Brazil team is over’: Neymar confirms international retirement

Brazil’s Neymar Junior has reconfirmed his retirement from the national team following the Selecao's Round of 16 exit to Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026, closing a 16-year international career under a cloud of World Cup heartbreak.

“My time with the national team is over,” Neymar said after Santos' 4-2 win over Universidad Central.

“I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life, I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I don't want to anymore,” he added.

The 34-year-old, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, will now focus solely on club football with boyhood side Santos.

Neymar had hinted at retirement following Brazil’s emotional defeat to Norway at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he was left in tears despite scoring a late penalty as Brazil's campaign ended with a 2-1 defeat.

After that, fans have pleaded on social media for the 34-year-old to reconsider his retirement. Even Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario publicly asked him to not end his international career.

But the Santos captain has seemingly closed the door on a glittering international career with his latest announcement.

Since the World Cup, Neymar has returned to the pitch for Santos, coming off the bench to help his club beat Universidad Central 4-2, and progress to the Round of 16 at the Copa Sudamericana.