Neymar has announced his retirement from international football. He announced after Brazil lost 2-1 to Norway in the World Cup round of 16. The 34-year-old finishes his Brazil career as the national team’s all-time top scorer with 80 goals in 129 appearances.
He made his senior debut in 2010 and played in four World Cups. He also competed in two Olympics, winning silver in 2012 and gold in 2016. At the 2026 World Cup, he made two substitute appearances and scored one goal, a stoppage-time penalty against Norway.
Thierry Henry praised him on FOX Sports, saying he would have paid to watch him and that he changed the game with his style and skills. Zlatan Ibrahimović also praised his talent but said people might feel he could have done more by winning a Ballon d’Or.
Norway advanced to the quarter-finals where they will face the winner of England vs Mexico on July 11 in Miami.
Top 5 Greatest Moments of Neymar’s Career
1. Winning the 2011 Puskás Award for Santos
This is the goal that put him on the map for the whole world. He was playing for Santos against Flamengo in the Brazilian league. He got the ball on the left side. Then pulled off a brilliant move to beat a defender. And then slotted it into the net. It was one of the most amazing solo goals anyone has ever scored. It won him the 2011 Puskás Award, which is given to the best goal of the year. He called it a unique moment that he could never describe. He said he would remember it for the rest of his life.
2. Winning the 2015 Champions League and the Treble with Barcelona
He was a huge part of one of the best attacking trios in football history. They were called “MSN.” The trio featured Neymar alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. In the 2014-15 season, they led Barcelona to a historic treble. That means they won three big trophies in one season: La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. In the Champions League final against Juventus, He scored Barcelona’s third goal in the 97th minute to seal a 3-1 win. To this day, that is his only Champions League trophy.
3. Delivering Brazil’s First Olympic Gold Medal in 2016
This was a massive moment for Brazil. They were hosting the Olympics and Neymar was the biggest star and the captain. The pressure was huge due to the expectations. In the final against Germany at the Maracanã stadium, he opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick from about 25 yards out. The match finished 1-1 and went to a penalty shootout. He stepped up and coolly converted the decisive spot-kick after the German keeper missed his attempt. Brazil won the shootout 5-4 and got their first ever Olympic football gold. It was pure joy for the whole country.
4. “La Remontada” The Greatest Champions League Comeback in 2017
He himself calls this his best memory as a footballer and his greatest individual performance. Barcelona had lost the first leg against PSG 4-0. Everyone thought they were out. They needed a miracle. In the final minutes at Camp Nou, he took over. He scored a brilliant free-kick in the 88th minute and then calmly converted a penalty in the first minute of stoppage time.
Deep into injury time, he chipped a beautiful pass into the box for Sergi Roberto to score the winning goal. Barcelona won 6-1 on the night and 6-5 on aggregate. It was the greatest comeback in Champions League history. He said afterwards that he had never felt anything like it and that it was incredible.
5. The Record Breaking €222m Transfer to PSG in 2017
Just months after his heroics against them, he shocked the football world. He triggered his release clause and joined Paris Saint-Germain for a world record €222 million. This move was historic. It was the most expensive in football history. It more than doubled the previous world record. The transfer completely changed how the market worked. For his, it was personal. He wanted to step out of Lionel Messi’s shadow at Barcelona. He wanted to become the face of a new project in Paris. He wanted to prove he could be the main man on his own team.
FAQs
Q. Why did Neymar retire from international football?
A. He retired after Brazil lost to Norway at the 2026 World Cup.
Q. How many goals did Neymar score for Brazil?
A. Neymar scored 80 goals in 129 appearances.
Q. Has Neymar won a gold medal with Brazil?
A. Neymar helped Brazil win Olympic gold in 2016.
Q. Which club did Neymar join for a record €222 million?
A. He joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
Q. Who praised Neymar after his international retirement?
A. Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović praised Neymar.
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