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Tearful Neymar Retires
James Hartwell | July 6, 2026 3:09 PM CST

A tearful Neymar announced the end of his international career after Brazil national football team suffered a 2-1 defeat to Norway national football team in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday.

The 34-year-old forward scored Brazil's only goal from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but two late strikes from Erling Haaland sent Norway into the quarterfinals and handed Brazil its earliest World Cup elimination since 1990.

After the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, Neymar fell to the pitch in tears before teammates gathered around to comfort him. "I tried, I tried. Now, it's over," he told Globo. "I started here; I finished here."

The venue also marked the beginning of Neymar's international journey. He made his senior debut for Brazil against the United States in a friendly at MetLife Stadium in August 2010, scoring his first goal for the national team in that match.

Neymar concludes his Brazil career as the nation's all-time leading scorer with 80 international goals, surpassing Pelé by three. His penalty against Norway also made him only the second Brazilian men's player, alongside Pelé, to score in four different FIFA World Cups.

He also finishes with 130 appearances for Brazil, the second-highest total in the country's history behind Cafu, who earned 142 caps.

Limited by a persistent right calf injury, Neymar featured in only two of Brazil's five matches at the tournament. He played the final 15 minutes against Scotland national football team during the group stage before coming off the bench in the 67th minute of Sunday's knockout match against Norway.

Long regarded as Brazil's leading star, Neymar has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, and his departure signals the start of a new era as younger players prepare to take on greater responsibility for the national team.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his disappointment after the defeat but praised his squad's effort. "It is an experience on my side. It is a very disappointing result, and all of us are really saddened," Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said in his postmatch news conference. "But this was a great group, and I have to thank my players; they worked really hard. I don't think we deserved to lose, but we have to accept it."


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