Neymar confirmed his retirement from the Brazilian national team, saying 'I gave my blood and my life, but now I don't want it anymore,' according to a report by sports journalist Ben Goldfriend (N12). The 34-year-old forward had announced his retirement earlier Wednesday following Brazil's World Cup round-of-16 elimination. Reports in Brazil suggest he may also retire from club football soon.
Neymar has confirmed his retirement from the Brazilian national team in a statement relayed by sports journalist Ben Goldfriend (N12), adding a direct quote: 'I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood and my life, I always fought for the yellow shirt — but now I don't want it anymore.' The remarks align with the 34-year-old forward's earlier announcement Wednesday, following Brazil's 2–1 round-of-16 loss to Norway at the 2026 World Cup, as The Zioneer reported earlier today.
Brazilian media reports also indicate Neymar may consider retiring from professional football altogether. The forward, who scored 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil, had been the subject of retirement speculation since the World Cup elimination on July 6. His international career, spanning 16 years and three World Cups, ends without a title, though he remains Brazil's all-time leading scorer.
No further statements from Neymar or the Brazilian Football Confederation have been released since the Goldfriend report.
3 developments
- DevelopingNeymar announces retirement from Brazil national team after World Cup elimination
- DevelopingBrazil disappointment: Neymar ruled out of next World Cup match vs Haiti
- StrongRonaldo confirms 2026 World Cup is his last, ahead of Portugal's round-of-16 match
- DevelopingNeymar set for first World Cup minutes this tournament against Scotland
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