Brazilian football superstar Neymar has all but confirmed the end of his international career, saying he no longer wishes to represent the national team following Brazil’s disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign.
The 34-year-old forward made the announcement after Santos’ 4-2 victory over Venezuela’s Universidad Central in a Copa Sudamericana match on Tuesday, bringing what has been one of the most celebrated international careers in Brazilian football closer to its conclusion.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Neymar said he believes his journey with the Brazilian national team has come to an end.
“I think 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,” he said.
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Neymar’s latest comments reinforce the emotional remarks he made immediately after Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 on July 5, a result that brought an early end to the country’s World Cup campaign. Coming off the bench during the match, Neymar scored a stoppage-time penalty, but it was not enough to prevent Brazil’s elimination.
In a post-match interview with Brazilian broadcaster ge, the veteran forward hinted that his international career had reached its conclusion, saying, “I tried, I tried. Now it’s over.”
The defeat marked Brazil’s earliest exit from a FIFA World Cup since 1990 and extended the five-time world champions’ wait for a record-extending sixth World Cup title. Neymar was visibly emotional after the final whistle, reflecting the disappointment of another missed opportunity on football’s biggest stage.
Widely regarded as one of Brazil’s greatest footballers, Neymar represented his country in four FIFA World Cups and leaves behind an extraordinary international legacy. He finishes his Brazil career as the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 80 goals and 58 assists in 130 appearances.
At club level, Neymar enjoyed a glittering career with Santos, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain, winning numerous domestic league titles, cup competitions, and the UEFA Champions League. Despite his individual brilliance, his only major senior trophy with Brazil came in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
While Neymar’s comments signal the end of an iconic international chapter, his contribution to Brazilian football remains one of the most influential of his generation, with his achievements and memorable performances leaving a lasting impact on the global game.
