Neymar retires from national team in tears after Brazil's World Cup exit

Brazilian football star Neymar broke down in tears after his final World Cup ended Monday, as Brazil fell to Norway in the round of 16 at the 2026 North America World Cup, dashing the nation's title hopes.

Neymar, 34, of Santos came on as a second-half substitute and converted a penalty to put Brazil on the board, but the team lost 2-1 to Norway at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Immediately after the final whistle, he collapsed to the pitch in tears, with teammates gathering around to offer comfort.

Neymar officially announced his retirement from the national team moments after the match ended.

"I tried and tried, but it's over now," Neymar said. "I started my national team career here, and I finished it here."

MetLife Stadium holds special significance for Neymar — it was the venue where he made his international debut at age 18 in 2010 and scored his first goal for Brazil.

Monday's match was his 130th international appearance, in which he scored his 80th goal to become Brazil's all-time leading scorer, surpassing the 77 goals scored by Pelé, "the King of Football."

This tournament meant everything to Neymar — a hard-fought last dance after injury, rehabilitation and a long road back to the national squad.

In October 2023, already in his 30s, he suffered a devastating knee injury, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament, and many doubted whether his career could continue.

After a successful rehabilitation, he earned his place back in the squad and got his chance to chase the one remaining goal on his list: a World Cup title. He competed for playing time against a talented younger generation, earning second-half substitute appearances. He finished the tournament with two appearances, two shots on target and one goal.

Meanwhile, the defeat marked the first time in 36 years that Brazil failed to advance to the quarterfinals, having previously been eliminated in the round of 16 at the 1990 World Cup in Italy.