Brazil forward Neymar has indicated that his international career may be over following the team’s 2–1 defeat to Norway in the World Cup round of 16.
The 34-year-old came off the bench at MetLife Stadium and converted a late penalty deep into stoppage time. However, his goal was not enough to overturn a brace from Norway’s Erling Haaland, which sealed Brazil’s elimination.
Visibly emotional at the final whistle, Neymar broke down in tears and was consoled by teammates. Speaking briefly to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, he said, “I tried, and I tried. Now it’s over. It began here, and it ends here.”
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, made his international debut goal at the same stadium in 2010 during a friendly against the United States.
Plagued by injuries in recent years, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star, now back at Santos, was a surprise inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad. He missed Brazil’s opening two group matches but returned as a substitute in a 3–0 win over Scotland, marking his first international appearance since October 2023.
His appearance against Norway is expected to be his final outing in Brazil’s colors.
