Neymar’s international career has finally come to an end. Brazil crashed out of the World Cup after losing 2-1 to Norway. The defeat came in the Round of 16 on Sunday.
Right after the final whistle, Neymar confirmed his retirement from the national team. He spoke through tears while addressing Brazilian broadcaster Globo. “I tried, I tried. Now it’s over,” he said. “I started here, I finished here.”
A Bittersweet Final Goal
Neymar did not leave the pitch empty handed on his final night. He converted a stoppage time penalty to pull one goal back for Brazil. That strike proved to be his last act in a Brazil shirt.
The goal carried real historical weight too. It marked Neymar’s 80th international goal for Brazil. That number puts him three goals ahead of the legendary Pele’s tally.
Norway’s Star Man Sealed The Result
Erling Haaland was the difference for Norway on the night. He scored twice to put the match beyond Brazil’s reach. His second goal, a brilliant strike from outside the box, arrived in the 90th minute.
Neymar had entered the match only as a second half substitute. He came on with the score still level at nil nil in the 67th minute. Haaland’s opener followed just 12 minutes after that substitution.
A Career Defined By Near Misses
Neymar made his senior international debut back in 2010, aged just 18. He looked destined for World Cup glory almost immediately after breaking through. Injuries and heartbreak, though, repeatedly stood in his way.
At the 2014 World Cup on home soil, Neymar scored four goals in the group stage. A back injury against Colombia then ended his tournament early. Brazil went on to lose 7-1 to Germany without him.
He returned for the 2018 World Cup, but Brazil fell to Belgium in the quarter-finals. In 2022, Croatia eliminated Brazil on penalties at the same stage. Neymar had scored to give his side an extra time lead in that match.
This year’s Round of 16 exit marks Brazil’s earliest World Cup finish since 1990. Despite his brilliance, Neymar leaves international football without ever lifting the World Cup trophy.
Statistical Giant, But No World Cup
Across 130 appearances, Neymar became Brazil’s all time leading goalscorer. He sits second only behind Cafu on the nation’s all time appearance list. His final record includes 80 goals and 59 assists for his country.
Major international silverware, though, proved elusive throughout his career. His only senior trophies remain the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2016 Olympic gold. Both a World Cup title and a Ballon d’Or stayed out of reach.
Ancelotti Looks Toward A New Cycle
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti addressed the disappointing result honestly afterward. “It is a very disappointing result and all of us are really saddened,” he said. He added that Brazil did not deserve to lose the match.
Ancelotti also confirmed he has no plans to step down. He remains contracted with Brazil through the 2030 World Cup cycle. “I don’t think this is the end,” he said. “I think this is the start of a new cycle.