Brazilian football superstar Neymar Jr. has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 16-year career with the Brazilian national team.
Speaking after Brazil’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 34-year-old said his journey with the Seleção had come to an end.
“My story with the Brazil national team is over. I always fought to defend the colours of this shirt. But I don’t want to play anymore,” Neymar said.
Neymar retires as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, having scored 80 goals in 130 appearances, surpassing the legendary Pelé’s tally. He also finishes as one of the country’s most-capped players, with only Cafu making more appearances for the national team.
The forward made his senior debut for Brazil in 2010 and represented the five-time world champions in four FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026). Although he came close on several occasions, the coveted World Cup trophy eluded him, with injuries and heartbreaking knockout exits defining much of his international career.
Among his greatest achievements with Brazil was leading the country to its first-ever Olympic gold medal in men’s football at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he scored the decisive penalty in the shootout against Germany. He also helped Brazil lift the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, defeating Spain 3-0 in the final.
Neymar’s final appearance for Brazil came in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 against Norway. He came off the bench and scored Brazil’s only goal from the penalty spot in a 2-1 defeat that ended the Seleção’s World Cup campaign and marked the end of his international career.
Despite criticism over injuries and unfulfilled World Cup ambitions, Neymar leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the most gifted footballers of his generation. His flair, creativity and goal-scoring ability made him a global icon and one of Brazil’s greatest-ever players.
Neymar’s Brazil Career
🇧🇷 Appearances: 130
⚽ Goals: 80 (Brazil’s all-time leading scorer)
🥇 Olympic Gold Medal: Rio 2016
🏆 FIFA Confederations Cup: 2013
🌍 FIFA World Cups: 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026
⭐ International career: 2010–2026
With his international chapter now closed, Neymar is expected to continue focusing on his club career while leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered as one of the finest in Brazilian football history.
