Brazilian star Neymar, the all-time top scorer for his national team, has announced the end of his international career, confirming that his time with the "Seleção" has come to an end after many years in which he defended the yellow jersey.
According to TNT Sports, Neymar, 34, said: "My time with the national team is over. I think I've written my name in the history of Brazil, and I'm very happy about that. I gave my blood and my life, and I always fought for the yellow jersey, but I no longer want to continue."
Neymar's last match with the Brazilian national team was against Norway in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, where the Brazilian team lost 2-1 and was eliminated from the tournament.
Neymar scored Brazil's only goal in the match, before collapsing in tears after the final whistle, in a scene that reflected the extent of his emotion at bidding farewell to the national team whose jersey he wore in 130 matches.
During his international career, Neymar scored 80 goals in 130 matches, topping the list of all-time leading scorers for the Brazilian national team, surpassing many of the "Seleção" legends.
At the club level, Neymar returned to his home club Santos, where he progressed through the ranks before embarking on a successful professional journey with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia, before returning again to Brazil.
Neymar's international retirement announcement comes as the player continues his career with Santos, amid reports of his recent absence from one of the team's training sessions.
Neymar also stirred controversy recently after a harsh statement towards one of his teammates following Santos' match against Chapecoense in the Brazilian league, before later clarifying that his words were directed at the entire team, criticizing what he described as "false and irresponsible" information that was circulated regarding a dispute within the locker room.
By announcing his departure from the national team, Neymar closes a long chapter with Brazil, leaving behind historic records and a great legacy, but without being able to lead the "Seleção" to the World Cup title, which remained one of the most prominent goals of his career.
