Brazilian media is in mourning following Neymar's announcement of his international retirement after the national team's exit from the 2026 World Cup, losing 2-1 to Norway in the Round of 16, thus ending a 16-year journey with the "Seleção".
Brazilian newspapers dedicated extensive coverage to bid farewell to their historic star, with one headline reading: "This news has broken our hearts," referring to the end of one of the most prominent figures in modern Brazilian football, as he announced the conclusion of his national team journey right after the final whistle.
Neymar shared an emotional message stating: "I tried, I tried, and I tried, but it's over. I started here, and I ended here," indicating that his international career began in 2010 at MetLife Stadium in a friendly against the United States and concluded on the same pitch after the World Cup elimination.
Neymar closes an extraordinary chapter with the Brazilian national team, having played 130 matches and scored 80 goals, making him Brazil's all-time leading scorer. He also participated in four World Cup editions (2014, 2018, 2022, 2026).
Although he did not succeed in leading Brazil to a World Cup title, he leaves behind a significant legacy as one of the most influential and creative players in Brazilian football history, symbolizing a generation that revived the joy of "joga bonito" and inspired millions of football fans worldwide.
