Neymar’s legendary career for Brazil is over, the forward said following the 2-1 defeat to Norway in the round of 16 game on Sunday.
The 34-year-old was emotional in an interview with TV Globo as he was in tears at the conclusion of the match in New Jersey, where he scored Brazil’s lone goal from a penalty in stoppage time.
“I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, I finished here,” Neymar said.
He had made his first international appearance for Brazil in a friendly against the United States on 10 April, 2010, at MetLife Stadium, the same venue as on Sunday, and scored in his debut.
Neymar, if he indeed retires from suiting up for Brazil, finishes as the country’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals. The legendary Pele, who recorded 77, was the only Brazilian in four World Cups before Neymar matched him on Sunday.
Cafu had 142 appearances for Brazil, with Neymar’s 130 second on the all-time list.
Neymar’s previous goal for Brazil came in 2023, the last time he played for the national team. Injuries have played a major part as he tore his ACL in 2023 and missed Brazil’s first two group-stage games at the 2026 World Cup because of a right calf injury.
He entered as a substitute and played 15 minutes against Scotland on 24 June and came on off the bench in the 67th minute for the match Sunday against Norway.