Brazilian superstar Neymar has announced the end of his international career following Brazil’s shock elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

An emotional Neymar confirmed that his journey with the Seleção was over after Brazil suffered a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16, bringing the curtain down on one of the most celebrated international careers in football history.

The 34-year-old came off the bench in the 67th minute with Brazil already trailing by two goals, but despite converting a penalty deep into stoppage time, he was unable to inspire a comeback as Norway secured a famous victory.

Speaking to TV Globo after the match, Neymar confirmed he had played his final game for his country.

“I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, I finished here.”

His farewell carried a symbolic significance.

Neymar made his Brazil debut at the same stadium now known as MetLife Stadium in August 2010, scoring in a 2-0 friendly victory over the United States. Sixteen years later, he returned to the same venue for what proved to be his final appearance in the famous yellow shirt.

During an extraordinary international career, Neymar established himself as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals while making 130 appearances, second only to Cafu, who earned 142 international caps.

His international journey included four FIFA World Cup appearances, representing Brazil at the 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 tournaments.

Injuries threatened to bring his international career to an earlier end after he missed much of the period following 2023, but he fought his way back into the squad for the 2026 World Cup.

His tournament appearances were limited, however.

Neymar made a brief substitute appearance during Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland in the group stage before featuring again against Norway in what became his final international outing.

Although Brazil’s campaign ended in disappointment, Neymar leaves as one of the greatest players ever to represent the five-time world champions.

From his dazzling debut as a teenager to becoming the nation’s record goalscorer, the former Santos, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward defined an era of Brazilian football with his creativity, flair and remarkable goalscoring ability.

While the elusive World Cup trophy ultimately escaped him, Neymar’s legacy as one of Brazil’s greatest footballers is firmly secured after a career spanning more than a decade and a half on the international stage.