Neymar Jr has confirmed that his journey with the Brazil national team has come to an end, ending months of speculation over his international future. The announcement follows Brazil’s World Cup elimination, where the five-time champions suffered a painful defeat to Norway in the knockout stage.

The 34-year-old entered the tournament carrying an injury that kept him out for much of the campaign. During his absence, Brazil found a settled lineup, making it difficult for Neymar to regain a place in the starting XI after recovering.

He was introduced from the bench in the knockout match and scored from the penalty spot late in the game. However, the goal was not enough to change the result as Brazil bowed out of the competition. After the final whistle, an emotional Neymar was seen in tears before confirming that the match marked the end of his international career.

Neymar reflects on his Brazil journey

Speaking after Santos’ 4-2 victory over Universidad Central, Neymar made it clear that he has no plans to return to the national team. “My time with the national team is over,” Neymar explicitly stated when questioned about his future following Santos’ 4-2 victory over Universidad Central. “I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life, I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I don’t want to anymore,” he added.

With that statement, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer officially closed one of the most memorable chapters in the country’s football history.

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Neymar responds after fresh criticism

Neymar also found himself under the spotlight this week after participating in a poker tournament while Santos were away in Venezuela for a Copa Sudamericana fixture.

The forward answered the criticism on the pitch. After scoring his first goal of the match, he celebrated with a card-dealing gesture before using the corner flag to imitate a golf swing, a clear response to the discussion surrounding his off-field activities.

Santos captain rejects dressing room claims

The Brazil star also addressed reports suggesting he had publicly criticised teammates Gabriel Bontempo and Joao Ananias after Santos’ 2-2 draw with Chapecoense.

Neymar firmly denied the claims and said the story had been misrepresented. According to the Santos captain, his comments after the match were aimed at demanding higher standards rather than targeting individual players.

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“It’s sad and annoying, but it’s not my fault. These stories reach a lot of people,” Neymar added. “I spoke after the match, demanded better, and said we couldn’t afford to be so slack. You can’t go giving away a draw like that, with all due respect to Chapecoense. That’s all I said. I said we’d get our rematch against them next year, if you know what I mean. As captain, I’ve got every right to say that. Lucas Veríssimo and Gabigol spoke up too,” he added.

His response puts an end to the allegations that he singled out teammates, with Neymar insisting his remarks were taken out of context and that the reports created unnecessary controversy.

FAQs

Why did Neymar retire from the Brazil national team?

Neymar confirmed his international retirement after Brazil’s World Cup exit, saying his time with the national team is over.

What did Neymar say about the Santos dressing room controversy?

Neymar denied criticizing teammates, saying his comments were taken out of context and misrepresented.