Brazilian football star Neymar has announced his retirement from international football, a decision that came within moments of Brazil's exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026. In a do or die round of 16 clash, Norway knocked Brazil out of the tournament with a 2-1 win, a match that effectively served as a pre-quarterfinal for both sides. The defeat ended Brazil's chase for a sixth World Cup title.
Neymar breaks down after the loss
The 34 year old had long carried the weight of Brazil's title hopes on his shoulders. He grew visibly emotional on the pitch after the loss to Norway. Speaking right after the final whistle, Neymar said, "I tried, I tried a lot. Now it is over. I started here and I am ending it here."
A fitness scare before the knockout
Questions had swirled around Neymar's fitness earlier in the tournament. Ahead of the match against Scotland, Brazil received a boost when he was declared fit and returned to training with the squad, lifting hopes of a deep World Cup run. But the team could not carry that momentum past the Norway match, and it turned out to be Neymar's last appearance in an international shirt.
End of an era for Brazilian football
Neymar's decision is being seen as the close of a significant chapter for Brazilian football, ending his international career in the very tournament where it began. Footage of his emotional reaction on the field after the exit has also surfaced, capturing the depth of his disappointment.
