Neymar Jr. Credit: GOAL.COM

Brazilian football icon Neymar Jr. has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a 16-year spell with the Seleção after Brazil’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 34-year-old Santos forward confirmed his decision after his team’s 4-2 win over Universidad Central in the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana knockout round playoffs, ending months of speculation over a possible return to the national team, Foot-Africa reports.

“My time with the national team is over.

“I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life. I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I don’t want to anymore,” Neymar told reporters.