Neymar was overcome with emotion after Brazil suffered a heartbreaking exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, breaking down in tears on the pitch following a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16.
The 34-year-old forward started the match on the bench before being introduced in the second half with the score still level at 0-0 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Neymar had been considered a fitness doubt after suffering a calf injury in May, but head coach Carlo Ancelotti included him in the squad despite not naming him in the starting line-up throughout the tournament.
After Neymar entered the match in the 67th minute, Norway seized control through a stunning brace from Erling Haaland, who scored in the 79th and 90th minutes to put his side firmly in command.
Neymar pulled one back from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but the late goal proved only a consolation as Brazil’s World Cup campaign came to a disappointing end.
Moments after the final whistle, the Brazilian star collapsed to the turf in tears, with many believing the match could mark his final appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
Despite the defeat, Neymar reached another personal milestone by scoring his 80th international goal for Brazil, surpassing the record of Brazilian legend Pelé, who scored 77 goals for the national team.
However, unlike Pelé, who famously won three FIFA World Cup titles, Neymar has yet to lift the sport’s biggest prize. During his international career, Brazil’s best World Cup finishes have been a semi-final and quarter-final appearance.
The defeat also marked Brazil’s first elimination in the Round of 16 since 1990, capping off a disappointing tournament for the South American giants.
If Neymar continues playing for Brazil until the next World Cup, he will be 38 years old when the tournament returns.
