Neymar confirms retirement from international football with Brazil

Neymar, the star of Santos, confirmed his retirement from international football with the Brazilian national team, just weeks after playing his last match for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar tops the list of Brazil’s all-time top scorers with 80 goals, announcing the end of his international career after his country’s loss to Norway in the Round of 16 of the World Cup on July 5.

Neymar da Silva Santos, the player’s father, had previously urged his son to continue playing.

After coming on as a substitute in Santos’ 4-2 victory over Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana on Tuesday, Neymar told reporters: “I think my time with the national team has already ended. I made history there, and I am very happy with what I contributed.”

He added, according to ESPN: “I’ve been through a lot with the national team. I gave my blood and my life, and I always fought for the yellow shirt, but I don’t think I want more than that anymore.”

The 34-year-old Neymar has not played for the Brazilian national team since October 2023, when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during a match with the national team.