He was without peer on the Brazil National Team when it came to impact on the game.
Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr has announced his retirement from international football, ending a long and glorious career,
He played his first match for the Brazil National Team in a friendly match against the USA on 10th August 2010. The then 18-year-old Brazilian youngster scored the opening goal of the match in the 28th minute, which ultimately led to Brazil’s 2-0 win.
The match was more than just a friendly game. It gave hope to millions of Brazil fans around the world after the disappointment in the 2006 World Cup. Since then, the numbers kept coming. He has won the Olympic gold medal and the FIFA Confederations Cup with the Brazil National Team and the UEFA Champions League with FC Barcelona.
After returning to his childhood club Santos FC in January 2025, he had quite a few setbacks due to his knee injury and right calf strain. However, every time he featured in Santos FC games, he managed to give outstanding performances. Football fans all around the world anticipated his return to the Brazil National Team. Finally, he was called up to the national team by Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti, who signed his contract in May 2025 as the head coach of the Brazilian National Team.
Brazil’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended in the round of 16 against Norway in a disappointing 2-1 loss. Neymar scored his only goal of the World Cup against Norway, converting a penalty in the 90+10 minute.
Although people around the world were upset about Brazil’s loss, they felt a little comforted that Neymar scored a goal for the team. That is the impact of a player like Neymar Jr on the world. Most football fans had a feeling that the 2026 World Cup would be his last time representing Brazil. Therefore, the goal felt like destiny.
After Brazil’s exit from the World Cup, Neymar’s father posted on his Instagram asking his son not to retire from football. The post said, “Son, keep playing football. Rediscover the joy of having the ball at your feet. Smile again on the field.” Neymar replied by commenting “I love you” to the post.
After Santos FC’s 4-2 win against Universidad Central de Venezuela in a Copa Sudamericana match, the 34-year-old Brazilian confirmed his retirement. He said to the reporters, “My time with the national team is over. I believe I’ve made history there, and I was very happy. I lived so many things, gave my blood and my life, and always fought for the yellow jersey, but I think I don’t want that anymore now.”
Although he continues to play for Santos FC as his contract runs till December 2026, he dropped hints about probable retirement from club football as well, as he said in a recent interview, “I have a contract with Santos until December. I intend to see it through, to honor the Santos shirt as best I can, and then I’ll think about it when my contract ends – whether I stay at Santos, leave, move on, stop playing, or carry on. I really don’t know what I’m going to do. There’s still a long way to go until December, so let’s take it one step at a time.”
Yet, there is still a question that needs an answer no matter what Neymar’s decision. Would he have still gotten called up if he didn’t announce his retirement?
What Brazil needs right now are youth players with intensity coupled with middle-aged players with experience and tactical clarity. It would have been difficult for Neymar to get a spot in the team amongst top choices like Raphinha, Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Joao Pedro, Endrick, Estevao, Rayan, and Martinelli already being in the squad.
Even though Joao Pedro, Estevao, and Rodrygo failed to appear in the 2026 World Cup, it can be said with certainty that they will feature in the upcoming games for Brazil if there are no injuries.
Neymar’s recent games for Santos prove that he can still perform at a great level, but his untimely injuries have always been a reason for his inconsistency. Yet, there is no doubt that he has no match in the Brazil National Team when it comes to making an impact and changing the game.
