Neymar says goodbye to Brazil after World Cup loss

Brazil superstar Neymar hinted on Sunday that he has finished his international career. This came after Brazil, a five-time World Cup champion, was knocked out of the tournament by Norway in the last 16.

Neymar entered the game as a late substitute at MetLife Stadium. He scored a penalty deep into injury time, but it was just a consolation as Brazil lost 2-1. Erling Haaland scored twice for Norway.

At 34 years old, Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer. Ironically, he scored his first goal for Brazil in the same stadium. That was back in 2010 when Brazil beat the United States 2-0.

“I tried, and I tried. Now it’s over. It began here, and it ends here,” Neymar said in a short chat with a journalist from Brazil’s Globo Esporte after the game.

He broke down in tears when the final whistle blew and needed support from his teammates.

Neymar has struggled with injuries in recent years. He played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain but returned to his first club, Santos. His selection for Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the World Cup was a surprise.

An injury kept him from playing in Brazil’s first two group matches. But he returned in the 3-0 win against Scotland in Miami, which completed Brazil's opening round.

That match was his first international game since October 2023. His only other appearance in the United States was on Sunday against Norway.