Emmanuel Ikpeama.
Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, Neymar, has announced his retirement from international football, ending a remarkable 16-year career with the Brazilian national team following the country’s heartbreaking World Cup elimination.
The 34-year-old forward confirmed his decision after Brazil crashed out of the tournament at MetLife Stadium, where his late penalty proved insufficient to keep the Selecao in the competition.
The defeat marked the final chapter of an illustrious international career that saw Neymar establish himself as one of Brazil’s greatest-ever footballers.
Speaking to reporters after the match, an emotional Neymar admitted that his journey with the national team had come to an end.
“I tried. I tried. It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over,” he said.
Neymar departs the international stage as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, having surpassed Pelé’s long-standing record with 80 goals in 130 appearances.
He also contributed 59 assists, finishing his career as the second most-capped player in the nation’s history.
Since making his senior debut in 2010, Neymar became the face of Brazilian football, leading the Selecao through several major international tournaments and leaving an enduring legacy with his goals, creativity and leadership.
His retirement presents a major challenge for the Brazilian Football Confederation as the national team prepares for a new era under head coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose contract was recently extended until 2030.
With Neymar stepping aside, Brazil will now look to rebuild its squad and develop a new generation of stars capable of restoring the country’s dominance on the world stage.