Neymar announced his retirement from international football shortly after Brazil’s 2–1 loss to Norway in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday, ending a 16-year career with the Selecao. The 34-year-old concluded in fitting fashion by scoring Brazil’s only goal from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, which was also his 80th goal in 130 appearances for Brazil, extending his record as the nation’s all-time top men’s scorer. He also finished with 59 assists while wearing the iconic yellow shirt.
Neymar’s Heated Clash With Norway Goalkeeper
Things got heated during the final moments of the match after the Vikings gained a two-goal lead. Neymar, who came from the bench during the second half to replace Gabriel Martinelli. After converting the penalty, he was even seen smiling in the face of Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.
As Neymar walked up to take the penalty for Brazil, the two got into a heated argument. Despite his futile attempt, the Brazilian forward maintained composure and cut the deficit. Neymar smiled sarcastically as he walked over to Nyland after hitting the net. Both players even got face-to-face and had to be separated.
Brazil Miss Quarter-final For First Time In 36 Years
Brazil was shockingly defeated 1-2 by Norway in the Round of 16 encounter at New York New Jersey Stadium. Brazil was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 with two goals from Erling Haaland in the 79th and 90th minutes of the second half. For the first time in 36 years, Brazil has not advanced to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, so their loss to Norway will definitely be heartbreaking and a massive wake-up call. The last time they failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals was back in 1990.
In the 90+10th minute of the match, Neymar scored his first goal for Brazil in this year’s World Cup from the penalty spot, making him just the second player after Pele to score for Brazil in four FIFA World Cup editions. The 34-year-old scored four goals in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, two goals in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and two goals in the 2022 FIFA World Cup before ending his FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with one goal in two games for the Selecao.
Neymar is the seventh player in the world to score in four FIFA World Cup editions, behind Pele, Uwe Seeler, Miroslav Klose, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ivan Peresić.
