BY AGENCY: In stoppage time, Neymar (34 years old) slotted a penalty kick into the net. However, the goal came too late to revive Brazil’s World Cup challenge.

Brazil lost 1–2 to Norway in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York-New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S., on July 6 (Korean time). After the defeat, Neymar, who wept profusely, announced his retirement from the Brazilian national team.

Following the match, Neymar said, “I tried my best. I tried again,” adding, “I started here as a national team player, and I end here. It’s over now.” His national team record concluded with 130 matches, 80 goals, and 58 assists.

Coincidentally, this was the same venue where Neymar first donned the Brazilian national team jersey. The 18-year-old, then playing for Santos FC, made his international debut in a friendly against the U.S. in August 2010. He scored a header in the 28th minute of the first half, leading Brazil to a 2–0 victory and marking a dazzling start.

Sixteen years later, the same stadium became the stage for Neymar’s final appearance for the national team. He entered the field as a substitute in the 22nd minute of the second half, successfully converting a penalty kick to keep Brazil’s hopes alive. However, time ran out before they could turn the game around. Brazil failed to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in 36 years since 1990.

Born in 1992, Neymar—who is the same age as Son Heung-min (LAFC)—reigned as Brazil’s top star for years. He surpassed Brazilian legend Pelé (77 goals) to set the record for the most goals in Brazil’s international match history.

Past his prime, Neymar attempted a comeback at Santos after stints in the Middle East. However, injuries prevented him from performing at his best for an extended period. He barely made the World Cup squad but later withdrew due to a calf muscle tear. He returned as a substitute in the 31st minute of the second half in the final Group C match against Scotland, marking his first appearance. Yet, he had to watch the Round of 32 match against Japan from the bench.

Neymar made his World Cup debut at the 2014 tournament in his home country but suffered a spinal fracture in the quarterfinals, forcing him to watch Brazil’s elimination from the hospital. At the 2018 Russia and 2022 Qatar tournaments, injury setbacks hindered his performance, and he again fell short of reaching the quarterfinals. Despite participating in four World Cups, including this North America edition, he never achieved Brazil’s victory.