Brazilian football closes a historic chapter. Neymar Jr., top scorer of all time for the national team Brazil announced its retirement from the Canarinha after its team’s elimination in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where it lost 2-1 against Norway at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
“I tried, I tried. I started here and I end here. Now it’s over”declared the Santos forward at the end of the match, putting an end to a career of more than 15 years with the green-yellow shirt.
Neymar’s farewell was marked by sadness. He entered the field of play in the 67th minute, by decision of coach Carlo Ancelotti, when the match remained tied without goals. However, a double from Erling Haaland put Norway on track to qualify. Already in injury time, Neymar scored from a penalty, although the goal did not prevent Brazil from being eliminated.
After the final whistle, the historic number 10 collapsed on the grass in tears and was consoled by teammates and rivals, in an image that symbolizes the end of an era for Brazilian football.
The goodbye of the last great symbol of “Jogo Bonito”
Beyond the numbers, Neymar’s retirement represents the departure of the last great reference of the generation that kept alive the essence of the traditional “Jogo Bonito”, the style that made Brazil a world reference for its creativity, joy and offensive talent.
For years, Neymar carried the responsibility of being the heir to legends such as Pelé, Ronaldo, Romário, Ronaldinho and Kaká, figures who marked golden eras for the five-time world champion team.
Although he never conquered World Cup, his talent, ability to unbalance and spectacularity made him one of the most influential figures in Brazilian football of the 21st century.
It’s very shocking to see Neymar like this 💔
I understand the frustration of knowing that you are no longer going to win a World Cup, but I wasn’t going to go… pic.twitter.com/t9jS25S3SX
— Madrid Sports (@MadridSports_) July 5, 2026
A historic career with the Seleção
Neymar’s story with Brazil began on October 10, 2010, precisely in the same stadium where he played his last international match. That night he made his debut in a friendly against the United States, which Brazil won 2-0.
Since then he accumulated:
- 130 international matches
- 80 goals with the national team
- Brazil’s all-time top scorer
With that figure he surpassed legends like Pelé, Ronaldo Nazário, Romário, Zico and Bebeto.
Four World Cups and an outstanding debt
Neymar played in four World Cups:
- Brazil 2014
- Russia 2018
- Qatar 2022
- United States, Mexico and Canada 2026