Neymar doubles down on Brazil retirement, says I don't think I want it anymore

Neymar has all but confirmed the end of his Brazil journey, saying he no longer wants to wear the famous yellow jersey after their disappointing World Cup exit, bringing an emotional chapter close.Neymar might just have confirmed his retirement from international football. (Image: Reuters)Brazil great Neymar has all but confirmed the end of his international career, saying he no longer wishes to represent the national team after their disappointing FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.The 34-year-old made the revelation after Santos' 4-2 victory over Venezuela's Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana on Tuesday, weeks after hinting that Brazil's last-16 defeat to Norway would be his final appearance in the famous yellow jersey."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 and battled for the yellow jersey. But I don't think I want it anymore," Neymar was quoted by Reuters after the match.The remarks reinforced what many had already suspected after Brazil's World Cup exit. Moments after the 2-1 defeat to Norway on July 5, an emotional Neymar hinted that his international journey had come to an end. Having come off the bench to score a stoppage-time penalty, the forward told Brazilian broadcaster *ge*: "I tried, I tried. Now it's over."BITTERSWEET LEGACYBrazil's elimination marked their earliest World Cup exit since 1990 and extended the five-time champions' wait for a record sixth world title. Despite the disappointing ending, Neymar leaves behind one of the finest international careers in Brazilian football history. The forward represented the Selecao at four FIFA World Cups and retires as the nation's all-time leading scorer. Neymar scored for Brazil in the final minutes of their game against Norway but it was in vain. (Image: Reuters) Over 130 appearances, Neymar scored 80 goals and registered 58 assists, consistently carrying Brazil's attacking burden across more than a decade on the international stage.GLITTERING CAREERNeymar enjoyed enormous success at club level, starring for Santos before winning major honours with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. His dazzling skill, creativity and goals established him as one of the defining footballers of his generation.However, the same level of silverware proved elusive with the national team. His only senior international title came in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, despite several deep runs in major tournaments and multiple attempts to deliver Brazil's long-awaited sixth World Cup crown.While Neymar has yet to issue a formal retirement announcement through the Brazilian Football Confederation, his latest comments leave little room for doubt. One of Brazil's greatest-ever players appears ready to close the chapter on an international career that inspired millions and rewrote the country's record books.- EndsPublished By: Amar PanickerPublished On: Jul 29, 2026 21:26 IST