New York, 06 July (H.S.): Brazil's legendary footballer and the national team's all-time leading scorer, Neymar Jr, has announced his retirement from international football. The decision came after Brazil's 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

In the match played at MetLife Stadium, Neymar scored Brazil's only goal from the penalty spot in the 10th minute of injury time. However, his late strike was not enough to prevent Brazil's elimination from the tournament.

An emotional Neymar told reporters after the match, I gave everything I had. I tried my absolute best. My journey began at this MetLife Stadium, and it ends here. It's all over now.

Neymar concluded his international career with 80 goals and 59 assists in 130 appearances for Brazil, making him the country's highest-ever goalscorer.

Questions over his fitness had persisted in the lead-up to the World Cup, but head coach Carlo Ancelotti placed his faith in the veteran forward by including him in Brazil's 26-man squad for the tournament.

During his international career, Neymar guided Brazil to victory in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. He also played a pivotal role in securing Brazil's first-ever Olympic football gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Neymar's retirement marks the end of a golden era in Brazilian football. His record as Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer will remain one of the defining achievements of his illustrious international career.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar