Neymar He will no longer wear the Brazilian jersey. At 34, the striker confirmed the end of his international career after Santos' 4-2 victory against Universidad Central of Venezuela on Tuesday night in the Copa Sudamericana. This announcement puts an end to any remaining doubts about his future with the Seleção.
"My time with the national team is over."
When questioned after the match, Neymar explained that he considered his story with the national team to be definitively over. : "I think my time with the national team is over. I made history there and I'm very happy about that." The Brazilian also reiterated his attachment to the yellow jersey and the sacrifices he has made since his international debut. : "I gave my blood, my life. I always fought for this jersey, but I think I don't want to anymore."
A first announcement after the elimination from the World Cup
Neymar had already announced his departure on July 5th, just minutes after Brazil's elimination against Norway in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Coming on as a substitute, he scored a penalty in stoppage time, but couldn't prevent the Seleção's defeat (2-1). In tears after the final whistle, he declared: "I tried, I tried. Now it's over." His new statements therefore confirm that this decision is irrevocable and that he will not attempt to participate in the 2030 World Cup.
80 goals in 130 appearances
Neymar is retiring from the national team after 130 matches, 80 goals, and 58 assists. He finishes as Brazil's all-time leading scorer, ahead of Pelé, who is credited with 77 goals in official statistics. His international career began in August 2010 against the United States. At 18 years old, he scored on his debut. He went on to participate in four World Cups, in 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026, scoring nine goals in the competition.
Four World Cups, but no world title
During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Neymar was forced to withdraw from the competition after suffering a back injury in the quarter-final against Colombia. Brazil was subsequently eliminated by Germany in the semi-finals. Brazil's run ended in the quarter-finals against Belgium in 2018 and then against Croatia in 2022. In his last appearance at the tournament, in 2026, Neymar played only two matches and saw his team eliminated in the round of 16 against Norway, his worst performance in a World Cup since 1990.
The Confederations Cup and Olympic gold as the main trophies
Neymar has never won the World Cup or the Copa América. His main title with the senior national team remains the 2013 Confederations Cup, won in Brazil after a victory against Spain in the final. He also led the Brazilian Olympic team to its first-ever Olympic title at the Rio Games in 2016. As team captain, he scored the decisive penalty in the final victory against Germany. His retirement only applies to the national team. Neymar is currently continuing his club career with Santos, where his professional journey began.
