Neymar Ends International Career After Brazil's Shock Defeat
Neymar announced his retirement from international football moments after Brazil suffered a stunning 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. The 34-year-old forward's decision came after Erling Haaland's late brace ended Brazil's hopes of a sixth World Cup title, with Neymar scoring a stoppage-time penalty that proved only a consolation.
Reflecting on his departure, Neymar told reporters, as quoted by ESPN UK: "I tried, I tried. Now it's over. I started here; I finished here." His penalty, converted in the 10th minute of added time after Leo Ostigard fouled Casemiro, was his first goal of the tournament. It took his international tally to 80 goals and 59 assists in 130 appearances for Brazil, extending his record as the nation's all-time leading scorer.
Brazil's Early Exit Marks Historic Low
For Brazil, the defeat marked a seventh consecutive World Cup knockout loss to European opposition and their earliest exit since 1990. Neymar's retirement closes a chapter that included winning the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013 and an Olympic gold medal at Rio 2016. He exits as Brazil's all-time top scorer, a record he held since surpassing Pelé.
Neymar's international career spanned over a decade, defined by flair, goals, and controversy. His departure leaves a void in Brazilian football, as the Selecao now look to rebuild under a new generation of talent.
Ronaldo Confirms 2026 World Cup Is His Last
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last. Speaking ahead of Portugal's Round of 16 clash against Spain, the 41-year-old said, as per OneFootball: "I want to enjoy it as much as possible, because it will be my last World Cup, yes. But I hope that tomorrow won't be my last game in the World Cup."
Ronaldo, who has started all four of Portugal's matches and scored three goals, dismissed retirement questions, stating: "I'll finish when I want to, not when you want me to. It's a waste of time to keep asking that question." He emphasized his commitment to the national team, whether playing or not.
Portugal vs Spain: A Blockbuster Round of 16
Portugal advanced to the Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia, courtesy of Goncalo Ramos' stoppage-time winner. Roberto Martinez's side aim to reach back-to-back World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, though they have not won consecutive knockout matches since 2006.
Spain, under Luis de la Fuente, have been dominant, defeating Austria 3-0 and becoming the first team since Germany in the 2014 final to keep opponents without a single shot on target in a knockout match. The Iberian rivals last met at the World Cup in 2018, when Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw. Portugal hopes their captain can deliver another match-winning performance to keep his farewell campaign alive.
