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Brazil’s all-time top scorer bows out of international football following a Round-of-16 penalty-shootout heartbreak against Norway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Neymar has confirmed he is finished playing for Brazil’s national team, closing the book on a 16-year international career just hours after the Selecao’s World Cup dream ended in the round of 16.
Brazil fell 2-1 to Norway at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, undone by a late double from Erling Haaland after Neymar had converted a stoppage-time penalty to briefly give his side hope.
The 34-year-old forward, brought on as a substitute, broke down in tears at the final whistle and had to be consoled by teammates Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior.
“I tried,” Neymar said afterward, reflecting on a journey that began at the very same stadium. He made his senior Brazil debut there in a 2010 friendly against the United States – and, fittingly, it was where his international story came to a close.
Injuries defined much of Neymar’s later international years, and this World Cup was no exception. A persistent right calf problem limited him to just two appearances in Brazil’s five matches – 15 minutes off the bench against Scotland in the group stage, and his late cameo against Norway.
Neymar’s FIFA & International Records
| Record / Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Brazil’s all-time top scorer | 80 goals (surpassed Pelé’s long-standing record of 77 in 2023) |
| International appearances | 130 caps – 2nd-most for Brazil, behind only Cafu (142) |
| Brazil debut | August 10, 2010, vs. USA (friendly) – scored on debut |
| Record-breaking goal | Overtook Pelé’s tally during a 2026 World Cup qualifier vs. Bolivia, September 2023 |
| World Cup editions scored in | Four – 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026 (matches Pelé; only the second Brazilian man to do so) |
| World Cup career totals | 15 matches, 9 goals, 3 assists across four tournaments (2014–2026) |
| Oldest Brazilian to score at a World Cup | Age 34, vs. Norway (2026) – surpassing Bebeto’s 1998 mark |
| 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup | Champion with Brazil; won the Golden Ball as player of the tournament |
| 2016 Rio Olympics | Gold medalist and captain; scored the winning penalty in the final shootout vs. Germany |
| Direct goal contributions (international) | ~139 (goals + assists combined) |
| World Cup titles won | 0 – best finish was the quarter-finals (2014, 2022) |
Stats reflect Neymar’s final tally following Brazil’s elimination at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the reduced role, he leaves as Brazil’s undisputed greatest goalscorer, a record he built over four World Cups and more than a decade at the top of the international game.
With the tournament over, Brazil captain Marquinhos acknowledged the team is now entering a new era, asking fans to stand behind the next generation of players as they step into the void left by Neymar’s departure.
