Neymar announces retirement from Brazil national team after World Cup 2026 exit

Neymar tearfully announced his retirement from the Brazil national team following their 2-1 defeat to Norway in the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday. The 34-year-old forward scored a penalty in the match, marking Brazil's earliest World Cup exit since 1990.

Neymar's Emotional Farewell

After the final whistle at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Neymar was visibly upset, stating, "I tried, I tried. Now, it's over," in an interview with Globo. He expressed gratitude for his time with the team, saying, "I started here; I finished here." This match capped off his illustrious career with the national team.

Neymar leaves behind a legacy as Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 80 goals, surpassing the legendary Pelé by three goals. His goal in stoppage time against Norway made him only the second Brazilian man to score in four World Cups.

World Cup Performance and Injuries

Throughout the tournament, Neymar struggled with a persistent right calf injury, limiting his participation. He played only two matches, appearing for 15 minutes against Scotland and coming off the bench against Norway.

Despite the injuries, Neymar's contributions to the team were significant. He made 130 appearances for Brazil, ranking second on the all-time list behind Cafu, who has 142 caps.

Brazil's Future After Neymar

The Brazilian squad is now entering a period of transition, with a new generation set to take the helm. Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach, acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but emphasized the need for the team to look forward. He stated, "Everyone is profoundly sad, as the fans are. This is normal to have those feelings, but what we have to do is react correctly."

The defeat against Norway serves as a catalyst for change as the team aims to rebuild and re-strategize for future competitions.