Neymar Jr. has announced his retirement from the Brazilian national team following the team's round of 16 elimination against Norway at the 2026 World Cup.
The 34-year-old forward confirmed the decision immediately after the match, stating, "I tried. Everything started here and ends here.
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It's over."
Brazil's early exit under manager Carlo Ancelotti ended their World Cup campaign prematurely. Neymar departs as Brazil's all-time leading male scorer with 80 goals, surpassing Pelé's official record.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star now faces an uncertain future at club level.
Sources close to the player indicate he is considering three options: staying at Santos FC until his contract expires on December 31, terminating his deal early to join a less competitive league, or retiring from professional soccer entirely.
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Neymar's father is pressuring him to fulfill commercial obligations, while tensions have risen at Santos FC.
Reports emerged of a locker room confrontation between Neymar and teammates Gabriel Bontempo and João Ananias after a recent 2-2 draw against Chapecoense, in which Neymar scored twice.
Santos FC officials are evaluating the locker room atmosphere and Neymar's contractual situation.
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The forward will miss the club's next match against Athletico Paranaense due to yellow card accumulation.
