Brazil captain Neymar has suggested his international career may have come to an end after the five-time champions were knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16.
The 34-year-old forward came off the bench and scored a stoppage-time penalty, but his effort was not enough to prevent Brazil’s elimination as Erling Haaland struck twice to send Norway into the quarter-finals.
An emotional Neymar was seen in tears after the final whistle and later hinted that the match could be his last in Brazil’s famous yellow jersey.
“I tried and I tried. Now it’s over. It began here and it ends here,” he said after the match.
The New York/New Jersey Stadium holds special significance for the Brazilian star, as it was the venue where he scored his first international goal in a 2-0 win over the United States in 2010.
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Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad had been questioned after a series of injury setbacks restricted his appearances over the past two years.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker, who returned to Santos earlier this year, missed Brazil’s opening two group-stage matches before returning as a substitute in the team’s 3-0 victory over Scotland.
The clash against Norway was only his second appearance at the tournament and his second match for Brazil since returning from a lengthy injury layoff.
If he confirms his retirement, Neymar will bring the curtain down on a distinguished 16-year international career, leaving as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer and one of the country’s most accomplished footballers.
