Neymar retires from Brazil after 16 years, ending a record-breaking international career as the Seleção’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer

Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 16-year career with the Brazil national team after the country’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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The 34-year-old Santos forward confirmed that he would no longer represent the Seleção following months of speculation over his future with the national side.

“My time with the national team is over,” Neymar told reporters after Santos’ Copa Sudamericana victory over Universidad Central.

“I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life. I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I don’t want to anymore.”

Neymar’s final appearance for Brazil came in the World Cup round of 16 against Norway, where he scored a stoppage-time penalty. However, the goal could not prevent Brazil from suffering a 2-1 defeat and exiting the tournament.

The retirement closes one of the most decorated international careers in Brazilian football history.

Neymar retires from Brazil as the country’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer, having scored 80 goals, surpassing the previous record held by Brazilian legend Pelé, who finished his career with 77 international goals.

Since making his senior debut in 2010, Neymar represented Brazil at four World Cups and featured in major competitions including the Copa América, FIFA Confederations Cup and Olympic Games.

The forward played a key role in Brazil’s success at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and captained the team to its first Olympic men’s football gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games.

Despite his achievements, injuries affected several stages of Neymar’s international career. At the 2026 World Cup, a calf injury suffered while playing for Santos forced him to miss Brazil’s opening two matches before returning as a substitute in the group stage.

His final tournament appearance came against Norway, where his late penalty marked the last goal of his international career.

Neymar leaves the Seleção after becoming one of Brazil’s most influential players of the modern era, combining individual records with memorable moments on the international stage.

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His departure now opens the door for a new generation of Brazilian talents to take responsibility for the country’s future campaigns.