BRASILIA: Brazil’s all-time leading scorer Neymar has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil’s exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026, bringing an end to a glittering 16-year career with the national team.
The 34 years old striker revealed his decision after Brazil lost 2-1 to Norway in the Round of 16 stage, thus ending their journey at the World Cup.
“I have given everything that I have got. The journey started from this very stadium, MetLife, and the journey ends at the same place. It’s all done now,” Neymar was quoted saying after the match.
The Brazilian footballer made his debut in international football on August 10, 2010, while playing against the USA in a friendly match held at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey.
More than a decade later, Neymar has brought his journey in international football at the very stadium where it all began.
Neymar who is Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer put Brazil’s first and only goal in the clash against Norway in the World Cup through a penalty in the second half of the match, before being substituted by the coach.
Calf injury issues prevented Neymar from making an impact in the tournament, playing in only two out of Brazil’s five games in the World Cup and spending just 15 minutes on the field in their group stage game against Scotland.
As one of the best footballers for Brazil, Neymar departs from the international scene having made more goals for Brazil than any other player ever, breaking the record of the legendary Pele.
Marquinhos, who is the captain of the Brazil team, asked the people to give their support to the new players of the team in this new era of the team.
“We ask everyone to be patient with the new generation and support them right from the start,” he said.
It was a very successful career of Neymar on the international scene, but injuries have restricted his last days in the yellow jersey.
