Neymar was left emotional as Brazil crashed out of the World Cup Round of 16 in a 2-1 defeat to Norway, with the star forward suggesting his international career may be over.
The 34-year-old converted a stoppage-time penalty, but it was not enough to prevent Brazil’s elimination, extending the five-time world champions’ wait for a sixth global title.
Speaking briefly to Brazilian TV analyst Bruno Formiga on GE TV after the match, Neymar appeared to signal the end of his journey with the Seleção.
“I tried, I really tried. Now everything is over. I started here, and I’m ending it here,” he said, referencing the stadium in New Jersey where he made his Brazil debut in a 2010 friendly against the United States.
Neymar was visibly emotional at full time following a result that marked Brazil’s worst World Cup performance since 1990.
The defeat also deepens Brazil’s longest-ever active World Cup title drought since their first triumph. By the time the 2030 World Cup arrives, the Seleção could be 28 years without lifting the trophy.
If Neymar confirms his international retirement, he would finish his Brazil career with 80 goals and 58 assists in 130 appearances.
Despite a decorated club career, his only major trophy with Brazil’s senior team remains the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
