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Neymar, one of the finest football talents globally, announced his retirement from international football after Brazil's elimination in the 2026 World Cup on Monday. Norway defeated the Selecao 2-1 in the round of 16 in New Jersey, ending their hopes of adding another star above Brazil's crest.
Brazil attempted to push for breakthroughs against Norway, a team whose dominance lit up the quadrennial football tournament. Neymar scored from the penalty spot in the 90th minute, but Erling Haaland's brace kept the Norwegian side firmly ahead, helping them advance to the semifinal.
Neymar had a full-circle moment after announcing that he was done with international football at MetLife Stadium. It was the same venue where the Brazilian forward made his senior team debut back in 2010, and he wrapped up his career where it all started.
Following the match, Neymar revealed that he was done with international football.
The veteran footballer called time as Brazil's leading goalscorer, scoring 80 goals in 129 appearances. His timeless achievements also include an Olympic gold medal. Neymar looked inconsolable after the final whistle, and his Brazil teammates surrounded him to provide comfort following Brazil's elimination. The veteran battled through injuries as Brazil led a fine World Cup campaign until their elimination in the round of 16.
Neymar was celebrated as an icon after Ronaldo and Pele, and his footballing style spoke volumes, with his tricks and dribbles putting the opposition's defence to shame. But his journey was no easy one either; Neymar spent a significant time in his career fighting his own injuries.
He would be remembered as one of the finest talents who never won a World Cup.
Following Neymar's revelation on his international career, fans flooded social media platforms with tributes and kind messages for the Brazilian. An emotional fan wrote that he could win the World Cup in another life, while another said that no footballer brought him joy like Neymar and that he cherished every second of him playing.
Another user said that football has been unfair to Neymar.
A user claimed that after Neymar's retirement, Brazil will never win a World Cup again.
Another user expressed that while Neymar did not win a World Cup title, his legacy remains unchanged.
This user admitted that Neymar has done a lot for Brazil as he left MetLife Stadium emotionally.
Neymar's legacy would be cemented as one of the world's finest strikers who never won the World Cup.
Brazil attempted to push for breakthroughs against Norway, a team whose dominance lit up the quadrennial football tournament. Neymar scored from the penalty spot in the 90th minute, but Erling Haaland's brace kept the Norwegian side firmly ahead, helping them advance to the semifinal.
Neymar announces international retirement
Neymar had a full-circle moment after announcing that he was done with international football at MetLife Stadium. It was the same venue where the Brazilian forward made his senior team debut back in 2010, and he wrapped up his career where it all started.
Following the match, Neymar revealed that he was done with international football.
The veteran footballer called time as Brazil's leading goalscorer, scoring 80 goals in 129 appearances. His timeless achievements also include an Olympic gold medal. Neymar looked inconsolable after the final whistle, and his Brazil teammates surrounded him to provide comfort following Brazil's elimination. The veteran battled through injuries as Brazil led a fine World Cup campaign until their elimination in the round of 16.
Neymar was celebrated as an icon after Ronaldo and Pele, and his footballing style spoke volumes, with his tricks and dribbles putting the opposition's defence to shame. But his journey was no easy one either; Neymar spent a significant time in his career fighting his own injuries.
He would be remembered as one of the finest talents who never won a World Cup.
Fans lead tributes and humble messages for Neymar
Following Neymar's revelation on his international career, fans flooded social media platforms with tributes and kind messages for the Brazilian. An emotional fan wrote that he could win the World Cup in another life, while another said that no footballer brought him joy like Neymar and that he cherished every second of him playing.
Maybe in another life Neymar 💔🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/dWfsMIcws5
— 🕊️ (@neycentral) July 5, 2026
No footballer has ever brought me the joy that you have. If this was the end, then every second was worth cherishing
My GOAT, always and forever. pic.twitter.com/mFKUjstRGy
— .🥷 (@neyholic) July 5, 2026
Another user said that football has been unfair to Neymar.
Neymar llorando luego de su último partido de copa del mundo
Que injusto ha sido el fútbol contigo, Ney 💔 pic.twitter.com/gTSz2siest
— Lexa (@Alexaxfcb) July 5, 2026
A user claimed that after Neymar's retirement, Brazil will never win a World Cup again.
Neymar foi o único jogador a chorar em campo depois da eliminação da seleção Brasileira e ele se aposentou da seleção hoje.
O Brasil nunca mais ganhará uma copa do mundo. Somos uma seleção de jogadores industriais sem alma e sem testosterona. pic.twitter.com/5GdebND2aS
— Alex Moretti (@Alexmorettibr) July 5, 2026
Another user expressed that while Neymar did not win a World Cup title, his legacy remains unchanged.
Sí, hoy se terminó tu último baile mundialista. Sí, hoy se acabó tu sueño de convertirte en campeón del mundo antes retirarte. Pero nada, absolutamente nada, cambia tu legado.
Gracias por no rendirte, ídolo. Gracias por siempre jugar con osadía y alegría, a pesar de todas las… pic.twitter.com/XrSxzwI83z
— Invictos (@InvictosSomos) July 5, 2026
This user admitted that Neymar has done a lot for Brazil as he left MetLife Stadium emotionally.
Critiquei muito Neymar, mas me pega ele saindo chorando, ele fez sim muito pela seleção em copas passadas pic.twitter.com/HrU1i4Pc8Q
— Bea (@tatunsobeemtoco) July 5, 2026
Neymar's legacy would be cemented as one of the world's finest strikers who never won the World Cup.
