Neymar Jr. has announced his retirement from international football, after a 16-year spell with the Seleção of Brazil’s culminating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Neymar, 34-year-old confirmed his decision after Santos’ 4-2 win over Universidad Central in the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana knockout round playoffs, ending months of speculation over a possible return to the national team, Foot-Africa reports.
“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 told reporters.
He retires as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer with 80 goals in 130 appearances having surpassed Pelé’s long-standing record of 77 despite having an injury-laden few years.
Neymar featured in four FIFA World Cups, multiple Copa América tournaments, the FIFA Confederations Cup and the Olympic Games which he won as captain in 2016.
He also won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and captained the country to its maiden Olympic men’s football gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games.
