Neymar declared his retirement from Brazil's national team on Sunday, following a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the World Cup round of 16 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The 34-year-old forward, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, ends a 16-year international career that began at the same venue in a 2010 friendly against the United States.
Emotional Farewell at MetLife Stadium
“I tried,” Neymar said after the match. “It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over.” He scored a penalty kick in the final minutes after coming off the bench, but it was not enough to prevent Brazil's earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
Neymar made his debut for Brazil on August 9, 2010, in a friendly against the US at MetLife Stadium. Over 16 years, he amassed 79 goals in 128 appearances, surpassing Pelé as the country's top scorer in September 2023.
Injury-Plagued Tournament
Neymar appeared in only two of Brazil's five matches in the tournament due to a nagging right calf injury. He also played 15 minutes against Scotland in group play. His limited impact reflected a broader trend of injuries that have hampered his performances in recent years.
Brazil's captain Marquinhos called for patience with the next generation. “We ask that people will have the patience with the new generation and support them from the get-go,” he said.
End of an Era
Neymar's retirement marks the end of an era for Brazilian football. He was the team's most influential player for over a decade, leading them to a Confederations Cup title in 2013 and an Olympic gold medal in 2016. However, injuries and early World Cup exits defined his later years.
Brazil now faces a period of transition as younger players step up to fill the void left by their star forward. The team's early exit from the 2026 World Cup has already sparked discussions about the future direction of the national squad.
