The final whistle had barely sounded around MetLife Stadium before Neymar Jr collapsed onto the pitch, overcome with emotion. The Brazilian star buried his face in his hands and cried as Brazil’s 2-1 defeat against Norway in the round of 16 came to an abrupt end. FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign. But for Neymar, his loss marked something bigger, the final chapter of his unforgettable international career. Shortly after, the 34-year-old confirmed what many feared.
“I tried,” Neymar said. “It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. Now it’s over.”
Farewell to the whole circle
Almost 16 years ago, on August 9, 2010, an 18-year-old boy Neymar he played his first match for Brazil against the United States at the same stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. That night, he scored his first international goal. On Sunday, he returned to the same venue for one last appearance in the famous yellow shirt.
🇧🇷 One last dance on the world stage, one last tear as Brazil’s World Cup journey ends.
Thanks for the magic, goals, and unforgettable moments, Neymar.
The King of the Joga Bonito era bows down.
Author: Danielpic.twitter.com/TtkrijNwXn
– Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 6, 2026
It was introduced from the bench in the 67th minute against NorwayNeymar scored a late penalty to score his final goal for Brazil, taking his national record to 80. It was the bitter end for one of the greatest international careers in the history of Brazilian football.
A battle of injuries defined his final tournament
Farewell to Neymar World Cup he suffered from chronic problems with his right calf that limited him to only two matches during the tournament. He missed Brazil’s opening two group stage matches before impressing in a 3-0 win over Scotland. Against Norway, he was again used as a substitute, but even his late goal could not save Brazil from elimination.
Before the tournament, many believed that his international journey was already over. Having not represented Brazil since 2023 due to repeated injuries, his surprise reunion with manager Carlo Ancelotti sparked cheers across the country. Neymar himself was seen crying tears of joy after learning he would return to the Seleção.
Passing the torch
Although injuries reduced his influence on the pitch, Neymar remained the emotional leader within the squad. The passing of Brazil’s jersey number 10 from Vinicius Mdigo to Neymar before the tournament showed the respect he had within the team. Captain Marquinhos admitted that Brazil it enters a new era after defeat. “We ask people to be patient with the new generation and support them from the get go,” he said.
Neymar praying with tears in his eyes. This was his last game for Brazil 💔pic.twitter.com/4bD9QHBEkw
– Preeti (@MadridPreeti) July 5, 2026
Goodbye, Neymar. Thank you for being a special part of our childhood 🤍😔 pic.twitter.com/ePvJIP4VS2
– `(@chixxsays) July 5, 2026
Brazil will never be the same again… Neymar retires from international football. 🇧🇷💔 pic.twitter.com/MuVacyBD5H
– RUTH 🇨🇦 (@it_Rutie) July 6, 2026
Bye bye Neymar Your tears will not make us forget that you visited Israel without any shame
Never forgive never forget pic.twitter.com/0BP3ktPMHN
— LPC (@landpalestine) July 6, 2026
🚨🚨 BREAKING: Neymar announces his RETIREMENT FROM INTERNATIONAL SOCCER. 👋🏼🇧🇷
“I tried. I tried. It started here at the Met Life stadium and I finished here. Now it’s over”, Ney said after the game.
His story with the Brazilian national team is over. pic.twitter.com/vPIFFlyJHq
– Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 5, 2026
No footballer has ever brought me the joy you have. If this was the end, then every second was worth cherishing
My GOAT, always and forever. pic.twitter.com/mFKUjstRGy
– .🥷 (@neyholic) July 5, 2026
Brazilian soccer legend, Neymar confirmed his retirement from international competition, heartbroken and in tears after his loss to Norway.
Neymar will not win the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/HvWWHMVafN
– Puberty (@puberty) July 5, 2026
He was tearing up very badly man and it hurts to see him like that.. it hurts 😭💔 pic.twitter.com/WMkBWJfEBB https://t.co/tJuev2nzh9
— Kobi (@UTDKobi) July 6, 2026
Neymar retires from international football after four FIFA World Cups, two Olympic Games and an incomparable impact on Brazilian football.
(Feature Photo Credit: X/@pubity)
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