Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry, who are currently working together as star pundits and analysts for FOX Sports on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, paid tribute to Neymar following his decision to retire from international football following Brazil’s Round of 16 exit. The 34-year-old confirmed that Brazil’s 2-1 defeat by Norway will be his final appearance for the Seleção, ending a 16-year international career that saw him become the country’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 129 appearances. While Brazil’s campaign ended in disappointment, both analysts focused on Neymar’s lasting influence on the game rather than the circumstances of his farewell.
Henry: “Thank you for what you did”
Neymar announced his retirement shortly after Brazil were eliminated, having made two substitute appearances in the tournament. He came off the bench against Scotland in the group stage before scoring from the penalty spot in stoppage time against Norway, his only goal at the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil’s Neymar (10) walks off the field with teammates after the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and Norway in East Rutherford, NJ, near New York, Sunday, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Speaking on FOX Sports’ World Cup Today:Thierry Henry highlighted Neymar’s wider impact on football.“Thanks. This is a guy I’d pay to see. Simple as that,” Henry said.The former striker of France added: “We can talk about tactics. We can talk about what it is… but this man can play anywhere, at any time, in any style. He can play with anyone, and he has done with anyone, loving the game for what he is, his goals, his smile, the way he does it and his skills.“Any youngster wants to be Neymar. You want to be Neymar. This guy changed the game with the way he played it. So, I don’t want to talk about a World Cup and the way he finished. I want to talk about what he gave to the game. Neymar was, and always will be, a fantastic player.“Thank you for what you did, I enjoyed it.”
Ibrahimović reflects on Neymar’s legacy
Zlatan Ibrahimović also praised Neymar, highlighting his talent and the expectations that shaped his career.“He will be remembered as the greatest football player who went to Europe, and before he went to Europe, he did his thing in Brazil,” said Ibrahimović.“When he was at Barcelona, he did well. When he was at PSG, he did well. But I think people will also say he could have done more than he did because people wanted him to win the Ballon d’Or and he didn’t.“But a unique talent, a unique player and the skill he has is crazy. So, sad moment for Brazilian football.”
An international career is coming to an end
Neymar debuted for Brazil in 2010 and represented his country in four FIFA World Cups. He also competed in two Olympic Games, winning silver in 2012 before captaining Brazil to gold on home soil in 2016.He retired as Brazil’s top scorer with 80 goals in 129 games, surpassing Pelé’s long-standing record. Injuries limited his involvement at the 2026 World Cup to just 37 minutes in two substitute appearances, with his stoppage-time penalty against Norway marking the final goal of his international career.Brazil’s elimination closed the chapter on one of the defining international careers of the modern era. Norway advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will face England after the Three Lions’ 3-2 victory over Mexico.