Neymar announces retirement from international football

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Cameron Joyce | Last updated Jul 5, 2026 10:43 PM ET

Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, Neymar da Silva Santos Jr, has announced his retirement from international football following the team’s 2-1 loss to Norway. Neymar scored Brazil’s lone goal in the team’s loss. It was also Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990.

BREAKING: Neymar has announced his retirement from international football, per @FabrizioRomano

“I tried. I tried. It started here at MetLife stadium and I finished here. It is now over." pic.twitter.com/LTdhY8lrOD

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 5, 2026

Neymar made his debut with Brazil in 2010 in an international friendly against the USA at MetLife Stadium, scoring his first international goal. He finished as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals across 130 appearances. He also joins Pelé as the only two Brazilians to score in four World Cups.

“I tried. I tried. It started at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over,” Neymar said.

Age and injuries have unfortunately caught up to the 34-year-old. He was limited to only 40 minutes of play in the entire World Cup, recording only one goal.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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