Neymar reiterates Brazil retirement stance: ‘I don’t think i want it anymore’

Neymar has once again suggested his Brazil career is over, admitting he no longer has the desire to represent the national team following their disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

The 34-year-old made the comments after Santos secured a 4-2 victory over Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana on Tuesday night, further reinforcing the remarks he made immediately after Brazil’s last-16 exit.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Neymar reflected on his international journey and admitted he believes the time has come to move on.

“I think my time with the national team has already passed. I made history there, and I’m very happy about it. I experienced a lot there, gave my blood and my life, and always fought for the yellow jersey. But I don’t think I want it anymore.”

World Cup Exit Appears to Have Sealed His Decision

Neymar had already hinted that his international career was over following Brazil’s dramatic 2-1 defeat to Norway in the last 16 of the World Cup on 5 July.

After coming off the bench to score a stoppage-time penalty, the forward appeared overcome with emotion as Brazil suffered their earliest World Cup elimination since 1990.

In a post-match interview with Brazilian outlet ge, Neymar simply said:

“I tried, I tried. Now it’s over.”

The defeat not only ended Brazil’s hopes of lifting a record-extending sixth World Cup trophy but also marked another heartbreaking chapter in Neymar’s international career.

A Legendary Brazil Career

Despite never winning football’s biggest prize, Neymar leaves behind one of the greatest international careers in Brazilian football history.

The forward finishes his international career as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, scoring 80 goals and providing 58 assists in 130 appearances for the Seleção.

Across four World Cup tournaments, Neymar carried the expectations of an entire nation, producing countless memorable moments while cementing his place among Brazil’s modern greats.

Success at Club Level

Although international silverware proved elusive, Neymar enjoyed an extraordinary club career.

After emerging through the academy at Santos, he established himself as one of the world’s best players during spells with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, winning numerous domestic honours and lifting the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona in 2015.

His only major trophy with Brazil’s senior team came in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, where he played a starring role as the hosts defeated Spain in the final.

While speculation will inevitably continue over whether Neymar could one day reverse his decision, his latest comments strongly suggest his remarkable chapter with Brazil has come to an end.