Brazil’s all-time leading scorer Neymar has officially confirmed his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a glittering international career that spanned more than 16 years with the five-time FIFA World Cup champions.The 34-year-old announced his decision after helping Santos secure a 4-2 victory over Venezuela’s Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana, ending weeks of speculation surrounding his future following Brazil’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Brazil’s campaign came to an end in the Round of 16 with a 1-2 defeat to Norway, a match that proved to be Neymar’s final appearance in the famous yellow jersey.
Neymar confirms international retirement
Speaking after Santos’ victory, Neymar made it clear that he no longer intends to represent Brazil.“My time with the national team is over. I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life, I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I don’t want to anymore,” Neymar said after the match, as quoted by Goal.com.The statement comes just weeks after the veteran forward hinted that the World Cup defeat to Norway had likely marked the end of his international journey.Following that heartbreaking loss, Neymar had said, as quoted by ESPN UK: “I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here; I finished here.”Neymar bows out as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, ending his international career with 80 goals and 59 assists in 130 appearances. His final international goal came from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time against Norway, serving only as a consolation after Erling Haaland’s late brace ended Brazil’s hopes of lifting a record-extending sixth World Cup title.During his time with the Selecao, Neymar also helped Brazil win the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and captained the nation to Olympic gold at the Rio 2016 Games, cementing his place among the country’s greatest footballers.
Santos star dismisses dressing-room criticism
While confirming his international retirement, Neymar also addressed reports claiming he had criticised and intimidated younger Santos teammates following a recent league match.The former Brazil captain rejected those suggestions, insisting he had simply demanded higher standards after a disappointing performance.“It is sad and annoying, but it is not my fault. These stories reach a lot of people,” Neymar said.He added: “I spoke after the match, demanded better, and said we could not afford to be so careless. You cannot give away a draw like that. As captain, I have every right to say that. Lucas Verissimo and Gabigol also spoke to the players.”Despite the off-field speculation, Neymar played his part in Santos’ 4-2 victory over Universidad Central, helping the Brazilian side book a place in the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16, where they will face Ecuadorian club Macara.
