Neymar’s tearful MetLife farewell ends Brazil’s golden era

Brazil’s all‑time top scorer Neymar announced on Sunday his retirement from international football after the 2‑1 round‑of‑16 defeat to Norway at MetLife Stadium, marking his 130th cap and 80th goal for the Seleção at age 34. The 34‑year‑old forward said the tournament, which began for him at the same venue in 2010, is now over. Neymar made his Brazil debut on 10 August 2010 in a friendly against the United States at the New Jersey stadium that would later host his farewell. The 34‑year‑old forward has accumulated 130 appearances for the national side. In Sunday’s round‑of‑16 match he scored from the penalty spot in the final minutes, registering his 80th international goal. Norway secured the win with two goals from Erling Haaland.

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A persistent right‑calf injury kept Neymar largely out of the tournament, limiting his impact. He managed only 15 minutes of play against Scotland before being substituted. “I tried,” Neymar said, adding, “It started here at MetLife Stadium, and here it ends for me. It’s over.” He delivered the statement after the match ended in New Jersey. Captain Marquinhos said Brazil is entering a transition phase as the next generation takes the helm. “We ask people to be patient with the new generation and support them from the very beginning,” he said. Injuries have increasingly curtailed the former decade’s best Brazilian player, reducing his influence on the pitch. The national team now looks to rebuild without Neymar’s presence.