Brazil forward Neymar has officially announced his decision to retire from international football, ending his journey with the national team after years of representing the Selecao.
The Santos player said he had reached the point where he wanted to step away from international duties following Brazil’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 World Cup, choosing instead to focus on the remaining years of his club career.
Neymar said he was satisfied with his contributions to the national team and admitted that his motivation to continue at the highest international level had gradually faded.
“I want to make it clear to everyone that my time with the national team has come to an end. I have already created history with Brazil, and I am leaving with honour.
“I have given everything to my country, including my life. I always fought for this yellow jersey, but now I have reached the stage where I no longer want to continue doing so,” he said.
Despite his final World Cup appearance not ending as hoped, Neymar remains one of Brazil’s greatest footballers and holds the record as the country’s all-time leading goalscorer.
He also became the second Brazilian player after football legend Pele to score in four different World Cup tournaments, having found the net in the 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions.
Neymar’s international retirement marks the end of an era for Brazil, with the forward leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential players in the country’s football history.
