Neymar ends doubts, quits Brazil's Seleção after Santos triumph

In the mixed zone outside Estádio Urbano Caldeira, a sea of cameras turned toward Neymar Jr. as he stepped forward, his face unusually solemn. Vandaag, the Brazilian star used the moment to confirm that his days with the Seleção were over, ending a decade‑long international career.

The update posted at 14:41 noted the headline: "Vandaag om 14:41Update: Vandaag om 14:47" followed by the name Neymar Jr., signalling the official nature of the announcement. He declared he would no longer take the field for the Braziliaanse national team.

Just hours earlier, Santos had secured the Copa Sudamericana, and the attacker seized the occasion to announce his retirement as an international of the Goddelijke Kanaries, the nickname he and fans use for Brazil.

In the run‑up to the WK, the unfit Braziliaan was the biggest topic of conversation across Brazilië. Bondscoach Carlo Ancelotti decided to include him in the squad, but at the tournament Neymar failed to make an impact. Tegen Norway (Noorwegen) he scored a late penalty, yet his decision to linger and taunt the Norwegian goalkeeper drew heavy criticism.

On the night that spanned Tuesday into Wednesday, Santos faced Universidad Central of Venezuela. After playing 45 minutes, Neymar was approached about his future with the national side. He responded in the mixed zone, "My time with the national team is over," making his intention unmistakably clear.

"I have written history and have always been proud to fight for the colours of our country," he continued. "I have given blood and my life for it, but I do not want to do that any longer."

Neymar made his debut for Brazil on 10 August 2010 at just eighteen, later starring for Barcelona, Paris Saint‑Germain and Al‑Hilal. In his first friendly, the United States fell 0‑2 and Neymar netted his inaugural interland goal. He eventually amassed 130 caps and 80 goals, becoming the all‑time top scorer for Brazil, ahead of Pelé’s 77.