Neymar Retires From Brazil Duty After 16-Year International Career

Brazilian football star Neymar has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a 16-year career with the national team following Brazil’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 34-year-old Santos forward confirmed his decision after his club’s 4-2 victory over Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana, saying he has no plans to return to the Seleção.

“My time with the national team is over. I made history, gave my blood and my life for the yellow jersey, but now I don’t want to anymore,” Neymar said.

Neymar made his final appearance for Brazil in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, scoring a stoppage-time penalty in a 2-1 defeat to Norway.

The forward retires as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer with 80 international goals, surpassing Pelé’s record of 77. 

Since making his senior debut in 2010, he represented Brazil at four FIFA World Cups, won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and captained the team to Olympic gold at the Rio 2016 Games.

His retirement marks the end of one of Brazil’s most successful international careers as the five-time world champions prepare to usher in a new generation of players.