Neymar has brought the curtain down on his international career, confirming his retirement from the Brazil national team after 16 years of service — a chapter that ends in the wake of Brazil's exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 34-year-old Santos forward made the announcement following his club's 4-2 win over Universidad Central in the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana knockout round playoffs, silencing any remaining talk of a potential return to the Seleção.

"My time with the national team is over," Neymar told reporters after the match. "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."

A record-breaking farewell

Neymar's final appearance for Brazil came in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where the Seleção fell 2-1 to Norway. He scored a consolation penalty in that defeat and was met by tearful teammates at the final whistle — a poignant send-off for the country's greatest scorer.

His place in Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup squad had raised eyebrows, as Neymar was still recovering from injury when the coach named his selection. Yet he made it onto the biggest stage one last time.

He departs international football as Brazil's all-time leading scorer, having netted 80 goals across 130 caps — surpassing the record once held by the legendary Pelé. To those 80 goals he added 58 assists, figures that cement his standing as the most prolific player ever to wear the Seleção shirt.