Neymar Jr. has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil's 2-1 Round of 16 loss to Norway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, closing the book on a 16-year career as the national team's all-time leading scorer.
The 34-year-old forward, limited by injuries throughout the tournament, came off the bench in the second half against Norway and converted a stoppage-time penalty - a consolation goal in a match already decided by two strikes from Erling Haaland. Moments after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, Neymar broke down in tears as teammates gathered to console him.
"I tried, I tried. Now, it's over," he told Globo. "I started here; I finished here."
It was a fitting bookend - Neymar made his Brazil debut at the very same stadium in 2010. He leaves the national team with 80 goals in 129 appearances, more than any player in Brazil's history, and one of only two Brazilian men, alongside Pelé, to score in four separate World Cups.
Hours before kickoff, Neymar had shared a message on his Instagram Story pointing to Joshua 1:9 - "Be strong and courageous" - alongside the words "every place you set foot will be blessed." Whether he knew it would be his final match for Brazil or not, the message reflects a pattern he's carried through his whole career: leaning on his faith before the biggest moments, win or lose.
His "100% Jesus" headband, first worn during Brazil's gold-medal run at the 2016 Rio Olympics and again after Barcelona's Champions League title that same year, became one of the most recognized declarations of faith in modern sports - even after FIFA drew criticism for blurring the phrase from a Ballon d'Or broadcast.
As one era for Brazilian football closes, head coach Carlo Ancelotti said the country is entering a "new cycle," with a younger generation set to carry the program forward.
