‘It is now over’ – Neymar announces retirement from international football

Brazil crashed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Norway.

Veteran forward Neymar was in tears after the game as it was his last chance to win the coveted prize and end his country’s 24-year wait for a sixth World Cup title.

Unfortunately, Brazil crumbled under the weight of expectation as Bruno Guimaraes missed a penalty and a chance to put the Vikings on the back foot early on.

The Selecao continued to rue missed opportunities as Endrick squandered another excellent chance. Norway, through Erling Braut Haaland, punished those mistakes.

The Manchester City striker bagged a brutal brace, bullying old foe Gabriel Magalhaes once more to take his tally to seven goals.

With seconds to go, Brazil won another penalty which Neymar converted, but it was too little too late as they crashed out of the round of 16 for the first time.

Neymar was inconsolable after the final whistle, realising that his dream of lifting the title was over. He has now announced he will be bowing out.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward said (via journalist Fabrizio Romano), “I tried. I tried. It started here at Met Life Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over.”

Neymar retires from the national team, having bagged 80 goals and 59 assists in 130 appearances for Brazil.

He won the Confederations Cup and led the team to the Copa America final in 2021. He also won Olympic Gold with the Under-23 team.

Despite cementing his status as one of the greatest the game has ever seen at club and international level, Neymar will regret not leading Brazil to major honours.

Brazil’s latest World Cup disappointment stems from the technical staff led by manager Carlo Ancelotti.

His controversial decision to leave Joao Pedro out of the squad backfired. The decision to take Neymar barely made a difference.