In what comes as a heartbreaking news for Neymar Jr. has officially called time on his illustrious international career, bringing an end to his 16-year journey with the Brazil national team. The 34-year-old forward confirmed his decision following his club Santos’ 4-2 victory over Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana playoffs. His last match for the team was in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match, where Brazil crashed out after a 1-2 loss against Norway. Neymar scored the only goal for the team in this game.
“I think my time with the national team has already passed. I made history there, and I’m very happy about it. I experienced a lot there, gave my blood and my life, and always fought and battled for the yellow jersey. But I don’t think I want it anymore,” Neymar said to reporters after the match.
A Historic Playing Career for Brazil
Neymar leaves the international stage as a definitive legend of Brazilian football. He debuted for the senior team in August 2010 as a highly-touted teenager, and announced his arrival by scoring in his very first match against USA. From that moment on, he shouldered the immense expectations of a football-obsessed nation for well over a decade.
Across his tenure for Brazil, he amassed 80 goals in 130 appearances for his country. This incredible feat meant Neymar is the all-time leading goalscorer for Brazil in history, having famously surpassed Pele’s long-standing record of 77 goals.
Beyond individual records, he was the driving force behind Brazil’s triumph at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and famously led the nation to its first-ever men’s Olympic football Gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games.
Throughout his career, he proudly represented Brazil at four FIFA World Cups, in 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026, cementing his legacy as one of the most gifted, entertaining, and passionate players to ever wear the iconic yellow jersey.
