Neymar has announced his retirement from international football after Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, bringing an end to one of the most successful international careers in Brazilian football history.
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The emotional announcement came after Brazil’s elimination from the tournament at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Following the final whistle, Neymar was seen in tears on the pitch before being comforted by his teammates.
Speaking to reporters after the match, the 34-year-old said he had given everything for the national team and confirmed that his international journey had come to an end.
“I tried. I tried. It started here at MetLife Stadium and I finished here. It is now over,” Neymar said after the match.
Brazil fell behind during the knockout fixture before Neymar converted a penalty deep into stoppage time to score his side’s only goal. However, the late effort was not enough to prevent defeat, as Norway secured a historic place in the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.
Neymar retires as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, finishing his international career with 80 goals in 130 appearances. He made his senior debut for Brazil in 2010 after emerging through the youth ranks at Santos FC, where he began his professional career in 2009.
During his time with the national team, Neymar represented Brazil in multiple major international tournaments and played a key role in winning the men’s football gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
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His retirement marks the end of an era for Brazilian football, with Neymar leaving behind a record-breaking international career and a lasting legacy as one of the country’s greatest modern players.