Brazilian football icon, Neymar has reaffirmed that his international career is over, insisting he has no plans to wear the famous yellow jersey again after Brazil’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 34-year-old Santos forward repeated his decision after his club’s 4-2 victory over Universidad Central in the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana knockout round playoffs, effectively ending any lingering speculation about a possible return to the Seleção.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Neymar said: “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.”
Although Neymar had initially announced his decision following Brazil’s Round of 16 exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, his latest comments on Wednesday firmly shut the door on any hopes of an international comeback.
Neymar’s final appearance for Brazil came in the Round of 16 clash against Norway, where he scored a stoppage-time penalty. The goal, however, proved only a consolation as Brazil crashed out with a 2-1 defeat, ending their dream of lifting a sixth FIFA World Cup title.
Widely regarded as one of Brazil’s greatest-ever footballers, Neymar made his senior debut in 2010 and finished as the country’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer with 80 international goals, surpassing the legendary Pelé’s record of 77.
During his international career, he represented Brazil at four FIFA World Cups, several Copa América tournaments, the FIFA Confederations Cup and the Olympic Games. He was instrumental in Brazil’s triumph at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and captained the team to its first-ever Olympic men’s football gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games.
Injuries repeatedly hampered Neymar’s World Cup ambitions. A grade two calf muscle injury sustained while playing for Santos ruled him out of Brazil’s opening two matches at the 2026 World Cup before he returned as a substitute in the final group-stage fixture against Scotland. He also came off the bench in the Round of 16 defeat to Norway, scoring what ultimately became the final goal of his international career.
Neymar’s departure from the national team brings the curtain down on a remarkable 16-year international career and signals the beginning of a new era for the five-time world champions as Brazil turns its attention to the next generation of players.