The curtain has officially come down on one of the greatest international careers in Brazilian football history.
Weeks after announcing his retirement following Brazil’s shock FIFA World Cup last-16 exit,
Neymar has made it clear there will be no change of heart.
The 34-year-old says his journey with the Selecao is over and he has no desire to return.
NEYMAR NÃO JOGARÁ A COPA DE 2030! 🇧🇷❌ O craque falou em entrevista que o seu momento na Seleção acabou e não deve mais vestir Amarelinha. #SeleçãoBrasileiro #FBR pic.twitter.com/ScqEXPe5UI
— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) July 29, 2026
‘My Time With Brazil Is Over’
Brazil’s World Cup campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion with a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16. Neymar came off the bench and converted a penalty deep into second-half stoppage time, scoring what proved to be the final goal of his international career.
That strike also secured his place in the history books. Neymar became only the second Brazilian after Pelé to score in four different FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026).
He bows out as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 130 appearances, with only Cafu (142) representing the national team more times.
Speaking after Santos’ 4-2 victory over Universidad Central, Neymar left little room for speculation over a possible return.
“My time with the national team is over,” Neymar said.
“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.”
The veteran forward was visibly emotional after Brazil’s elimination, leaving the pitch in tears as his 16-year international career came to an end.
Neymar will now turn his full attention to boyhood club Santos, although his future there remains uncertain. His current contract expires in December, and reports in Brazil suggest an extension is not yet on the table.
