NEW JERSEY: Brazil forward Neymar Jr. suggested he may have played his final match for the national team after scoring in Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Sunday, ending the five-time champions’ campaign.
The 34-year-old converted a stoppage-time penalty, but Brazil failed to overturn Norway’s lead, suffering their earliest World Cup exit in more than three decades. The defeat also extended Brazil’s wait for a record sixth World Cup title.
Is This the End of Neymar’s International Career?
Speaking after the match, an emotional Neymar indicated that his journey with Brazil may have come to an end.
“I tried, I tried… Now it’s over! I started here, I finished here.”
Neymar was referring to the stadium in New Jersey where he made his senior Brazil debut against the United States in a friendly in 2010.
What Legacy Does Neymar Leave Behind?
If confirmed, Neymar’s retirement would conclude one of the most prolific international careers in Brazilian football history. He would finish with 80 goals and 58 assists in 130 appearances for the national team.
Although Neymar won numerous domestic and European titles during his club career, his only major senior international trophy with Brazil was the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
What Does Brazil’s Exit Mean?
Brazil’s elimination marks the country’s worst World Cup performance since 1990 and deepens its prolonged search for another world title. Having last won the tournament in 2002, Brazil is on course to endure its longest-ever drought between World Cup triumphs, reaching 28 years without a title by 2030.
The Brazilian Football Confederation has not yet commented on Neymar’s remarks or confirmed whether the forward has officially retired from international football.