Brazilian football icon Neymar has officially announced his retirement from the national team, bringing an end to a remarkable 16-year international career that saw him become one of the country’s greatest-ever players.
The 34-year-old confirmed his decision after helping Santos secure a 4-2 victory over Venezuela’s Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana. Neymar said he believes his chapter with the Brazilian national team has come to an end and that he no longer wishes to represent the Seleção.
His decision follows Brazil’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they were eliminated 2-1 by Norway in the Round of 16. Neymar scored Brazil’s only goal in that match, which ultimately became the final goal of his international career.
Neymar retires as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, having scored 80 goals and provided 58 assists in 130 appearances. During his time with the national team, he represented Brazil in four FIFA World Cups and helped the country win the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, cementing his place among the nation’s football legends.
Despite an international career affected by injuries and the disappointment of missing out on a World Cup title, Neymar said he leaves with pride, grateful for every moment he spent wearing Brazil’s famous yellow jersey. His retirement marks the end of an era for the five-time world champions as the team begins a new chapter without one of its most influential stars.
