Neymar Retires from International Football After Brazil’s World Cup Exit

Neymar has announced his retirement from international football. The decision comes after Brazil crashed out of the World Cup in the round of 16.

Norway beat Brazil 2-1 to end their World Cup campaign. Neymar spoke to reporters right after the match.

“I tried,” Neymar said on Sunday. “It started here, at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over.”

Neymar’s Brazil Career: From Debut to Farewell

Neymar is 34 years old. He made his first appearance for Brazil on August 10, 2010. That match was a friendly against the United States. It was played at the same stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer. He also scored his first international goal before football legend Pele did.

Against Norway, Neymar came on as a substitute. He scored from a penalty kick in the final minutes. He broke down in tears at the final whistle. Teammates rushed over to console him.

Injuries limited Neymar’s role at this World Cup. He played in just two of Brazil’s five matches. A nagging right calf injury kept him out for most of the tournament. He also featured for 15 minutes against Scotland during the group stage.

Brazil Enters a New Era

Neymar has been Brazil’s best player for over a decade. But recent injuries have reduced his impact on the pitch.

Brazil now moves into a transition phase. A new generation of players is expected to step up.

Brazil captain Marquinhos addressed this shift directly. “We ask that people will have patience with the new generation,” he said. “Support them from the get-go.”

Ancelotti Reacts to Brazil’s Exit

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke after the loss. He called it a valuable experience, despite the disappointing result.

“It’s the same thing we did this year,” Ancelotti said. “It is a very disappointing result, and all of us are really saddened.”

He praised his squad’s effort. “This was a great group, and I have to thank my players; they worked really hard,” he said. “I don’t think we deserved to lose, but we have to accept it.”

Ancelotti called the loss part of football. “That is football for you, that is sports,” he said. “Sometimes, you have to manage the sadness and bitter taste of a defeat.”

He remained focused on the future. “We are going to take this defeat and use it as fuel for the new cycle,” Ancelotti said. “Everyone is profoundly sad, as the fans are. This is normal to have those feelings, but what we have to do is react correctly.”