Brazilian football icon Neymar has officially brought his international career to a close after Brazil’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a remarkable 16-year spell with the national team.
The 34-year-old Santos attacker made the announcement after his club secured a 4-2 win over Universidad Central in the second leg of their Copa Sudamericana knockout-round playoff.
His decision, reported by Foot-Africa, ends months of speculation about whether he would continue representing Brazil.
Speaking after the match, Neymar reflected on his journey with the Seleção, saying:
“My time with the national team is over.
“I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life. I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I don’t want to anymore.”
His final match for Brazil came in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup against Norway. Neymar scored a stoppage-time penalty, but Brazil still suffered a 2-1 defeat, bringing their campaign and hopes of lifting a sixth World Cup trophy to an end.
Neymar retires from international football as Brazil’s highest-scoring men’s player, finishing with 80 goals to surpass the legendary Pelé’s previous record of 77.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
