Brazilian football star Neymar has announced his retirement from international football. The 34-year-old striker made the decision after Brazil lost 2-1 to Norway in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
The match took place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This stadium is special for Neymar. He played his first game for Brazil there on August 10, 2010, in a friendly match against the United States.
"I tried," Neymar said after the match on Sunday. "It started here, at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over."
Neymar is Brazil's all-time top goalscorer, ahead of the legendary Pelé. However, injuries have limited his play in recent years. During this World Cup, Neymar only played in two of Brazil's five matches because of a right calf injury.
In the match against Norway, Neymar came onto the field as a substitute. He scored a penalty kick in the final minutes of the game, but it was not enough to save his team. When the final whistle blew, Neymar cried on the field while his teammates comforted him.
With Neymar's departure, the Brazilian national team is entering a period of change. Team captain Marquinhos asked fans to support the younger players as they take over. "We ask that people will have patience with the new generation and support them from the get-go," he said.