July 6 – Neymar says his Brazil career is over after the five-time world champions crashed out of the World Cup with a 2-1 defeat to Norway this weekend.

The 34-year-old was introduced in the 67th minute with Brazil already two goals behind in the last-16 tie at MetLife Stadium, but could not inspire a comeback. His injury-time penalty was little more than a footnote as Erling Haaland and Norway secured one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

Speaking to TV Globo after the final whistle, an emotional Neymar suggested his international career had come to an end.

“I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, I finished here.”

If he sticks to his word and that loss proves to be his final appearance for Brazil, it closes a remarkable international career that began in August 2010 with a goal against the United States and ends 16 years later as the country’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 130 appearances, surpassing the record once held by Pelé and sitting second only to Cafu on Brazil’s all-time appearance list.

His involvement at this World Cup was limited after a long battle with injuries. Having not represented Brazil since 2023, Neymar returned in time to make the squad but featured only briefly, coming off the bench against Scotland in the group stage before making his final appearance against Norway.

The 34-year-old’s involvement over the likes of Joao Pedro raised a few eyebrows, with the former superstar clearly not match fit whilst players playing week in, week out at the top level watched from home.

It was the fourth World Cup of Neymar’s career, following campaigns in 2014, 2018 and 2022 – though his 2014 campaign was cut tragically short after he broke his back against Colombia in the quarter finals. In the semi-final Brazil were hammered 7-1 by Germany.

Neymar leaves the international stage without lifting football’s biggest prize, but as Brazil’s all-time top scorer he has cemented his legacy amongst the greats of the Brazilian game.

Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]