“I Tried… It Is Now Over” — Neymar Breaks Down as He Announces Brazil Retirement
Brazilian superstar Neymar has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable career with the Selecao.
The 34-year-old called time on his international journey after Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16, a result that ended the five-time world champions’ hopes of lifting a sixth World Cup title.
In a symbolic twist, Neymar’s international career began and ended at MetLife Stadium in New York. He made his Brazil debut against the United States at the same venue in 2010 and played his final match there 16 years later.
Despite Brazil’s defeat, Neymar found the net one last time for his country, converting a penalty deep into stoppage time.
Speaking after the emotional loss, the forward reflected on his long journey with the national team.
“I tried. I tried. It started here at Met Life Stadium and I finished here. It is now over,” Neymar said, as quoted by football journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Neymar leaves the Brazil national team as one of the country’s greatest players, having enjoyed a career filled with memorable performances, major tournaments and numerous individual achievements.
His retirement marks the end of an era for Brazilian football, with fans around the world paying tribute to one of the most gifted footballers of his generation.
Meanwhile, Norway will face England in the quarter-finals after their historic victory over the five-time world champions.
