Brazilian football icon Neymar has cast fresh doubt over his future with the national team after the Seleção’s disappointing exit from the FIFA World Cup, delivering an emotional message that many have interpreted as a farewell to international football.
Brazil’s campaign came to an abrupt end on Sunday after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium. Despite pulling a goal back from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, Neymar could not prevent the five-time world champions from suffering elimination, as Erling Haaland’s first-half brace proved decisive.
The result left Brazil’s all-time leading scorer visibly heartbroken. Moments after the final whistle, the 34-year-old fell to the turf in tears before teammates gathered around to comfort him, underscoring the emotional weight of the defeat.
Speaking to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte after the match, Neymar offered a brief but powerful reflection that appeared to signal the end of his international journey.
“I tried, and I tried. Now it’s over. It began here, and it ends here.”
The statement carried symbolic significance. MetLife Stadium was also the venue where Neymar announced himself on the international stage, scoring his first goal for Brazil in a 2-0 victory over the United States in 2010. Fifteen years later, the same ground may have witnessed his final appearance in the famous yellow jersey.
Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad had already surprised many after a lengthy battle with injuries. Now back at Santos following spells with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Hilal, the veteran forward entered the tournament with limited match fitness.
Fitness concerns kept him out of Brazil’s opening two group-stage fixtures before he returned as a substitute in the team’s 3-0 victory over Scotland in Miami, helping Brazil secure qualification for the knockout stage. His appearance against Norway was only his second outing of the tournament.
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Although he found the net from 12 yards in the closing moments, the goal was little more than a consolation as Norway held firm to book a place in the quarter-finals.
While Neymar has not officially announced his retirement from international football, his post-match comments have intensified speculation that Sunday’s defeat could bring the curtain down on a remarkable Brazil career.
Over the course of more than a decade, Neymar established himself as one of Brazil’s greatest players, becoming the country’s all-time leading goalscorer and starring at multiple major tournaments. If this proves to be his final appearance for the Seleção, he will leave behind a legacy defined by extraordinary talent, unforgettable moments and an enduring place in Brazilian football history.