Brazil forward Neymar Jr. announces his retirement from international football, ending a 16-year run with the Seleção. The reports say the 34-year-old makes the decision following Brazil’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Multiple outlets describe the announcement as coming after months of speculation about a possible return to the national team. Neymar is reported to confirm the decision while speaking to reporters after Santos played Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana playoffs, where Santos won 4-2 in the second leg.
All sources agree that the retirement closes a long international career that began with Neymar’s debut for Brazil in 2010. The accounts also highlight his record as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer, finishing with 80 international goals. Other shared biographical details include his appearances at major tournaments such as World Cups and Copa América, and key achievements including Brazil’s 2013 Confederations Cup title and the team’s 2016 Olympic men’s football gold medal under his captaincy. The outlets frame the move as the conclusion of one of Brazil’s most decorated international careers.
