Neymar Jr. has retired from international football after Brazil’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Brazil lost 2-1 to Norway in the Round of 16. Neymar’s announcement ends a 16-year career with the national team. He finishes as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 129 appearances.
Neymar was inconsolable after the final whistle. He was seen crying on the field as teammates tried to comfort him. Speaking to Globo after the match, he said: “I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here; I finished here.” His final appearance for Brazil came as a substitute at MetLife Stadium, the same venue where he made his debut in 2010. He scored a consolation penalty in the final seconds against Norway.
Despite the defeat, coach Carlo Ancelotti said the exit should be used as “fuel” for the future. He insisted the tournament is “the start of a new cycle” and ruled out stepping down. Ancelotti has a contract through to the 2030 World Cup.
Brazil’s wait for a sixth World Cup title now extends beyond a quarter of a century. Their last title came in 2002. The defeat also extended their poor record against European opponents in World Cups. Brazil have not beaten a European side since the 2002 final.
Neymar continues his club career with Santos FC, evaluating his future season by season.
Neymar Scores Late Penalty as Brazil Crash Out of World Cup Against Norway
Neymar scored a penalty in the 100th minute of Brazil’s World Cup Round of 16 match against Norway. The goal cut Norway’s lead to 2-1, but Brazil could not find an equaliser and were eliminated. After scoring, Neymar taunted Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.
Erling Haaland scored both goals for Norway. He has now scored seven goals in his first World Cup. He is tied with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot lead.
After the final whistle, Neymar knelt on the pitch and appeared to pray while holding back tears. His teammates came to console him. The scene was similar to Brazil’s elimination in the 2022 World Cup.
Neymar missed the first two games of this World Cup due to a calf injury. He came off the bench in the group stage finale against Scotland. It was his first time playing for Brazil in three years.
This was Neymar’s fourth and last World Cup. Before the tournament, there was speculation he might not make the squad due to injuries. His penalty was his ninth World Cup goal. He is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, two more than Pelé.
Erling Haaland Fires Norway Past Brazil With Historic World Cup Brace
Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway beat Brazil 2-1 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history. The 25-year-old’s goals moved him level with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings with seven goals.
Haaland only had four touches inside the box but made them count. He broke the deadlock in the 79th minute with a header and added a second from outside the box 11 minutes later. Pundits praised his clinical finishing. Pat Nevin said there was not even a half chance for his second goal. Ian Wright noted that he did not need many touches.
Haaland’s performance came in a tight battle with Brazil defender Gabriel. The Arsenal player had the upper hand early but Haaland beat him for the header and left him watching for the second. Haaland said he is reaching a “new peak” and is focused on taking his chances.
Norway have now won two knockout ties in a row after not winning one before this tournament. They will face England in the quarter-finals. Manager Ståle Solbakken said the team had match-winners and believed they had a fair chance.
After the match, Haaland led the celebrations, banging a drum as the team performed the Viking Row with supporters. He called it “one of the most insane days in Norwegian history.” Solbakken said the whole nation is “rowing together.”
Haaland has scored 62 goals in 54 senior internationals, averaging a goal every 71 minutes. Only six of those have been penalties. He has now scored in each of his past 14 competitive appearances for Norway.
FAQs
Q. Neymar retires from international football. Why?
A. Neymar retired after Brazil’s World Cup exit to Norway.
Q. How many goals did Neymar score for Brazil?
A. Neymar scored 80 goals in 129 matches.
Q. Who scored both goals for Norway against Brazil?
A. Erling Haaland scored both goals.
Q. Who will Norway play in the World Cup quarter-finals?
A. Norway will play England on July 11.
Q. Which club does Neymar continue to play for?
A. Neymar continues to play for Santos FC.
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