My journey ends here: Neymar bids farewell to national team

Star forward Neymar Junior has announced that he will no longer play for the Brazil national football team, putting an end to speculation about his international future.

After Brazil's elimination from the 2026 World Cup, the forward had hinted at retirement, but this time he made it clear in a recent interview that his chapter with the national team has come to an end.

Speaking to journalists in the mixed zone after a 4-2 Copa Sudamericana victory over Venezuela's Universidad Central on Tuesday (July 28), Neymar said, "My journey with the national team is over. I have made history, I have had many great moments. I have given my blood, my life—everything for the yellow jersey. But I don't want to continue anymore."

Brazil were eliminated in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, losing 2-1 to Norway. Neymar scored the only goal for the Selecao in that match. After the game, he had spoken about the end of his World Cup dream in an emotional, tearful voice.

Neymar made his debut for Brazil in 2010 and is the country's all-time top goalscorer. In 130 appearances, he has scored 80 goals and provided 59 assists. His only senior title with the national team was the 2013 Confederations Cup. He also captained Brazil to Olympic gold at the 2016 Rio Games.

With his retirement announcement, speculation about a possible return for the 2030 World Cup has also come to an end. He now wants to focus entirely on his club career.

Meanwhile, Neymar has also denied allegations that he scolded younger teammates in the Santos dressing room recently. He said he only urged the team to play better after the match, and that the news circulating about the incident was "completely fabricated."