Brazil’s all-time leading scorer Neymar officially confirmed his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a glittering international career that spanned more than 16 years with the five-time FIFA World Cup champion.The 34-year-old announced his decision after helping Santos to a 4-2 win over Venezuela’s Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana, ending weeks of speculation surrounding his future following Brazil’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Brazil’s campaign ended in the Round of 16 with a 1-2 loss to Norway, a match that proved to be Neymar’s last appearance in the famous yellow jersey.
Neymar confirms international retirement
Speaking after Santos’ victory, Neymar made it clear that he no longer intends to represent Brazil.“My time in the national team is over. I made history, I’m very happy, I gave my blood, my life, I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I don’t want to,” Neymar said after the match, as quoted by Goal.com.The statement comes just weeks after the veteran forward announced that Norway’s World Cup defeat may have marked the end of his international journey.After the sad loss, Neymar said, as quoted by ESPN UK. “I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here; I finished here.”Neymar bowed out as Brazil’s leading goalscorer of all time, finishing his international career with 80 goals and 59 assists in 130 appearances. His last international goal came from the penalty spot in stoppage time against Norway, serving only as a consolation after Erling Haaland’s late brace ended Brazil’s hopes of a record-extending sixth World Cup title.During his time with the Selecao, Neymar also helped Brazil win the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and captained the country to Olympic gold at the Rio 2016 Games, cementing his place among the country’s greatest footballers.
Santos star rejected the criticism of the dressing-room
While confirming his international retirement, Neymar also responded to reports claiming he criticized and intimidated Santos’ youth teammates after a recent league match.The former Brazil captain rejected those suggestions, insisting he was only asking for higher standards after a disappointing performance.“It’s sad and annoying, but it’s not my fault. These stories reach a lot of people,” said Neymar.He added: “I spoke after the game, asked for better, and said that we can’t afford to be complacent. You can’t give a draw like that. As captain, I have the right to say that. Lucas Verissimo and Gabigol also spoke to the players.”Despite off-field speculation, Neymar played his part in Santos’ 4-2 win over Universidad Central, helping the Brazilian side book a place in the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16, where they will face Ecuadorian club Macara.