Neymar He has reportedly decided to no longer wear the Brazilian national team jersey. At 34, the number 10 is ending his international career after Brazil's elimination in the round of 16 of the World Cup. beaten 2-1 by NorwayHaving come on as a substitute, the striker scored a penalty in stoppage time. This goal will remain his final contribution in the yellow jersey. It further cements his status as the Seleção's all-time leading scorer, but it doesn't change the outcome. of a brutal evening for Brazilian football.
A final farewell match in Brazil
Neymar still has one farewell match to play on Brazilian soil. This game will allow the fans to bid a final farewell to the man who wore the number 10 for over a decade, amidst immense expectations, repeated injuries, personal bests, and missed opportunities at the World Cup. His decision is presented as final. The player does not plan to reverse his choice and is not expected to participate in the next international cycle with the Seleção.
A career that began in 2010
Neymar made his debut for Brazil on August 10, 2010, in a friendly match against the United States. Quickly establishing himself as the face of the national team, he played in four World Cups and carried the hopes of a country still waiting for its sixth world title since 2002. His time with the national team was marked by highs and lows, including the Confederations Cup victory in 2013 and the Olympic gold medal won in Rio in 2016. He also experienced painful moments, notably the injury that kept him out of the 2014 World Cup semi-final, followed by Brazil's successive eliminations in subsequent competitions.
The record, but not the World Cup
Neymar leaves the national team with the record for goals scored in a Brazilian shirt. He surpasses Pelé in the Seleção's all-time scoring charts, a historic milestone that will forever be linked to his name. But his international career will also be remembered for the absence of a World Cup title. Despite his status, his talent, and his central role for several years, Neymar never won the World Cup with Brazil. The elimination against Norway thus closes his international story on yet another collective disappointment.
Brazil must rebuild without its number 10
Neymar's departure marks the beginning of a new era for the Brazilian national team. The CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) and the coaching staff will have to prepare for the future without the player who was so long at the heart of their attacking project. Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Endrick, Martinelli, and the other key attacking players are now expected to take on greater responsibilities. For Brazil, Neymar's departure from the national team is not just the loss of an iconic player. It marks the end of an entire cycle, which began 16 years ago and concluded with a World Cup exit earlier than anticipated.
