Neymar announces retirement from international football following World Cup exit
Neymar has announced his immediate retirement from international football after Brazil’s World Cup dream was shattered by Norway, reports BritPanorama.
The 34-year-old brought the curtain down on his glittering Brazil career moments after the Selecao suffered a 2-1 defeat in the last 16, leaving the forward in tears at the final whistle.
In his final appearance, Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty to reduce the deficit, but it proved only a consolation as Brazil’s campaign came to a painful end.
Speaking in an emotional post-match interview, the tearful Brazilian icon confirmed his decision unequivocally. “I tried. I tried. It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over,” he stated.
Neymar departs from international football after a remarkable 16-year career, during which he earned 130 caps, scored 80 goals, and provided 59 assists. He retires as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer and their second-most-capped player, having eclipsed Pele’s scoring record and cemented his status among the nation’s greatest players.
In the match, Erling Haaland of Norway starred, scoring twice to fire his side into the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of England’s clash with Norway. Brazil will rue missed opportunities, particularly with Bruno Guimaraes failing to convert an earlier penalty.
After the game, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti referenced Neymar’s absence from the penalty duties, indicating he would have taken the spot-kick had he been on the field. “According to our analysis, Neymar was the best person to take the penalty, followed by Raphinha and then Bruno,” Ancelotti explained.
He also noted that Brazil struggled to find their rhythm due to Norway’s disciplined defensive performance. “We started well but couldn’t apply enough pressure because they were well organized,” he added.
As Brazil processes the end of their World Cup journey, Norway looks forward eagerly to their first quarter-final appearance, with the formidable Haaland leading their attack and establishing them as potential dark horses for the tournament.
The outcome serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football, capturing both the highs of breakthrough moments and the lows of dashed hopes.
