LAGOS, Nigeria — Brazil forward Neymar Jr. announced his retirement from international football on July 29, 2026, ending a 16-year career with the national team following its exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Golden Info reports that Neymar Jr. confirmed his decision following a 4-2 victory for his club team, Santos, against Universidad Central in the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana knockout round playoffs.
“My time with the national team is over. 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 Jr. said.
The 34-year-old leaves as the all-time leading men’s goalscorer for Brazil, recording 80 goals to surpass the previous record of 77 set by Pelé. Following his senior debut in 2010, he participated in four FIFA World Cup tournaments, the Copa América, the FIFA Confederations Cup, and the Olympic Games. He won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and captained the team to a men’s football gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games.
His final international appearance took place against Norway in the Round of 16 at the 2026 tournament. During the match, he converted a stoppage-time penalty, but the team sustained a 2-1 defeat.
Before the elimination, a grade two calf muscle injury sustained with Santos caused him to miss the opening two matches of the competition. He returned as a substitute in the final group-stage game against Scotland before his substitute appearance against Norway.