Farewell to football’s last magician: Neymar says goodbye to Brazil
Best News Desk
২৯-৭-২০২৬ দুপুর ৪:৩৬
Farewell to football’s last magician: Neymar says goodbye to Brazil
Brazil's all-time leading scorer Neymar Jr. has officially confirmed that his international career is over, ending speculation about a possible return after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 34-year-old made the announcement on Tuesday following Santos' 4-2 Copa Sudamericana victory over Venezuela's Universidad Central.
After the match, Neymar told reporters in the mixed zone that he had no intention of playing for Brazil again.
"My journey with the national team is over. I made history and experienced many unforgettable moments. I gave my blood, my life, everything for the yellow jersey. But I don't want to continue anymore," he said.
Neymar had hinted at retirement after Brazil's disappointing 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Although he scored Brazil's only goal from the penalty spot, it was not enough to prevent elimination. Leaving the pitch in tears, he suggested that his World Cup dream had come to an end.
The announcement brings the curtain down on a 16-year international career that began in 2010, when Neymar made his senior debut for Brazil at the age of 18 in a friendly against the United States at MetLife Stadium.
During his time with the Seleção, Neymar made 130 appearances, scoring a record 80 goals and providing 59 assists, making him Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer.
Despite his individual success, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward was unable to fulfill his dream of winning the FIFA World Cup. His only senior international title came in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, while he also captained Brazil's Under-23 side to Olympic gold at the Rio 2016 Games.
Rumours had recently linked Neymar with a possible appearance at the 2030 World Cup, but his latest comments appear to have ruled out any return to international football.
The Santos forward also dismissed recent media reports claiming he had berated younger teammates in the dressing room after a 2-2 draw against Chapecoense.
"Those stories are completely made up. After the match, I only said we needed to play better because we shouldn't let victories slip away so easily. As captain, it is my responsibility to say that. Lucas Verissimo and Gabigol said the same thing," Neymar said.
With his international chapter now officially closed, Neymar said his full focus will be on his club career with Santos, who have advanced to the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 after defeating Universidad Central.
Best News Desk
২৯-৭-২০২৬ দুপুর ৪:৩৬
Brazil's all-time leading scorer Neymar Jr. has officially confirmed that his international career is over, ending speculation about a possible return after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 34-year-old made the announcement on Tuesday following Santos' 4-2 Copa Sudamericana victory over Venezuela's Universidad Central.
After the match, Neymar told reporters in the mixed zone that he had no intention of playing for Brazil again.
"My journey with the national team is over. I made history and experienced many unforgettable moments. I gave my blood, my life, everything for the yellow jersey. But I don't want to continue anymore," he said.
Neymar had hinted at retirement after Brazil's disappointing 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Although he scored Brazil's only goal from the penalty spot, it was not enough to prevent elimination. Leaving the pitch in tears, he suggested that his World Cup dream had come to an end.
The announcement brings the curtain down on a 16-year international career that began in 2010, when Neymar made his senior debut for Brazil at the age of 18 in a friendly against the United States at MetLife Stadium.
During his time with the Seleção, Neymar made 130 appearances, scoring a record 80 goals and providing 59 assists, making him Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer.
Despite his individual success, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward was unable to fulfill his dream of winning the FIFA World Cup. His only senior international title came in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, while he also captained Brazil's Under-23 side to Olympic gold at the Rio 2016 Games.
Rumours had recently linked Neymar with a possible appearance at the 2030 World Cup, but his latest comments appear to have ruled out any return to international football.
The Santos forward also dismissed recent media reports claiming he had berated younger teammates in the dressing room after a 2-2 draw against Chapecoense.
"Those stories are completely made up. After the match, I only said we needed to play better because we shouldn't let victories slip away so easily. As captain, it is my responsibility to say that. Lucas Verissimo and Gabigol said the same thing," Neymar said.
With his international chapter now officially closed, Neymar said his full focus will be on his club career with Santos, who have advanced to the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 after defeating Universidad Central.
