Neymar Confirms Retirement from Brazil National Team
Neymar has confirmed his retirement from the Brazilian national team, stating that his time with the
Seleção is over.
The 34-year-old forward made the announcement after Santos’ Copa Sudamericana match against
Universidad Central on Tuesday, July 29, 2026.
“My time with the national team has already passed. I made history there, and I’m very happy about it. I
experienced a lot there, gave my blood and my life, and always fought and battled for the yellow jersey.
But I don’t think I want it anymore,” Neymar told reporters.
The comments reinforce statements he made immediately after Brazil’s round-of-16 exit at the 2026
World Cup. Following the 2-1 loss to Norway on July 5, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New
Jersey, Neymar said: “I tried, I tried.
Now it’s over.” He scored a stoppage-time penalty in that match, his only goal of the tournament.
Neymar retires as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 130 appearances. He debuted for the
senior team in 2010 and participated in four World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026).
His only major senior title with Brazil was the 2013 Confederations Cup. He also won Olympic gold in
2016.
Injuries limited his impact in recent years, and he appeared in only two matches at the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil’s elimination marked their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
Neymar currently plays for Santos in Brazil’s Serie A. He has not commented on his club future beyond
the international retirement announcement and he has not indicated any immediate plans to reverse
the decision.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
