Brazilian football icon Neymar has announced his retirement from international football after Brazil’s unexpected 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.

The 34-year-old forward came off the bench and scored Brazil’s lone goal from the penalty spot in the closing minutes of the match, but his effort was not enough to prevent the Seleção from suffering an early exit from the tournament.

An emotional Neymar was visibly distraught after the final whistle and later confirmed that the match marked the end of his international career.

“It is now over,” he said, acknowledging the pain of ending his journey with the national team in such circumstances but insisting that the time was right to step away from international football.

The announcement brings the curtain down on an outstanding international career that spanned more than 16 years. During that period, Neymar established himself as one of Brazil’s greatest footballers and became the country’s all-time leading goalscorer.

He retires with 80 goals in 130 appearances for Brazil, surpassing the record previously held by the legendary Pelé. Neymar represented Brazil at four FIFA World Cups and played a pivotal role in securing the nation’s first Olympic gold medal in men’s football at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. He also helped Brazil win the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and remained the face of Brazilian football for much of the past decade.

Reacting to the defeat, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti described the result as heartbreaking but stressed that the team must now focus on rebuilding and preparing for the future.

Neymar’s departure from international football marks the end of a remarkable era for Brazil, closing a chapter defined by individual brilliance, record-breaking achievements, and unwavering service to the national team.