Neymar Announces Retirement from Brazil National Team After 2026 World Cup Exit

Neymar officially retired from the Brazil national football team following their 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. The midfielder announced the end of his international career in a post-match interview at MetLife Stadium, the same venue where he scored his first and last goals for Brazil. Reflecting on his 16 years and four World Cups with the Seleção, Neymar said, "I tried, I tried. It all started here and it ends here, now it’s over."

Former Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos expressed empathy for Neymar’s emotional farewell, noting the midfielder’s dedication and talent despite occasional doubts from coaches. Carlos praised Neymar as one of the greatest players to ever wear the Brazilian jersey, emphasizing that winning the World Cup is not the sole measure of a player’s legacy. "For me, he is a legend, no matter what," Carlos said.

In contrast, Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimović offered a more nuanced view, acknowledging Neymar’s success at clubs like Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain and with Brazil, but suggesting that Neymar could have achieved even more, including potentially winning the Ballon d’Or. Neymar’s retirement marks the close of a significant chapter in Brazilian football history as the team moves forward after an early World Cup exit.