Neymar: "I gave my blood and life for Brazil, now I don't want to do it anymore.
According to Tuttomercatoweb.
Context
Neymar, now 34 years old and a Santos player, ends his international career after an impressive career with the Brazilian national team. Their last game was marked by an early elimination in the 2026 World Cup, where Brazil was defeated by Norway. Neymar's decision to no longer participate in the national team could influence the team's future, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Why this matters
Neymar's decision to withdraw from the Brazilian national team marks the end of an era in Brazilian football. With an international career that spanned four World Cups and numerous achievements, his legacy will be remembered for many years to come. His absence will have a significant impact on the team's dynamics, especially with the 2026 World Cup fast approaching.
Main conclusions
- Neymar: "I gave my blood and life for Brazil, now I don't want to do it anymore.
- Neymar announces goodbye to the Brazil team after elimination from the 2026 World Cup.
- Neymar: "I have blood and life for Brazil, now I'm not going far. It's finite."
Neymar put an end to his adventure with the Brazil national team. The 34-year-old Santos forward confirmed his goodbye to the Canarian team a few weeks after their elimination from the 2026 World Cup, which reached the round of 16, against Norway, 2-1. The announcement, made in a definitive tone, ends a 16-year chapter that began on August 10, 2010 — curiously on the same North American stage, the MetLife Stadium, which also hosted his final international appearance.
"My story with the national team is over. I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood and my life for this jersey. I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I no longer want to do it", stated the number 10, confirming that he will not represent the team again. In practice, this means that there will be no presence in the 2028 Copa América nor a final attempt to reach the 2030 World Cup.
The decision did not come out of nowhere. In the aftermath of the match against Norway, Neymar was seen desolate on the pitch, after a game in which he scored, from a penalty, what would remain his last goal for Brazil. Still, the penalty was not enough to stop the elimination of the Brazilian team, which said goodbye to the 2026 World Cup earlier than expected, in an edition played in the United States, Mexico and Canada. In the following weeks, the striker became convinced that the selection cycle was complete.
Neymar's legacy in the Canary Islands is undeniable. Throughout his international career, he participated in four World Cups, lifted the Confederations Cup in 2013 and won one of the most symbolic medals for Brazilian football — the Olympic gold in Rio de Janeiro, in 2016. However, there is a big bittersweet feeling: never having lifted the much-desired World Cup, a trophy that Brazil has been chasing since the last title, in 2002.
The departure of one of the greatest Brazilian figures of the 21st century marks the beginning of a new cycle in the national team. Without Neymar, Brazil will have to redesign its attacking front and find new leaders on the field, focusing on the next commitments on the international calendar. For the Santos player, the certainty of a career full of remarkable moments with the national team's shirt, starting with his debut goal in 2010 and ending with the final penalty conversion in 2026.
Brazilian football thus says goodbye to a protagonist who, through ups and downs, helped write important chapters for the national team. The future will tell who will take the lead in the next cycle, but Neymar's goodbye, through his words and the symbolic weight of the moment, closes an era in Canarinha.
What happens next
With Neymar out of the squad, Brazil will have to re-evaluate its strategy for future competitions, including the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup. The new generation of players will have the opportunity to shine, but the pressure to fill the void left by Neymar will be intense. Fans will be keeping an eye on the team's development as they prepare for the next competition cycle.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the game between Brazil and Norway at the 2026 World Cup?
Brazil was eliminated by Norway with a score of 2-1.
What is the impact of Brazil's elimination from the 2026 World Cup on the table?
Brazil's elimination in the round of 16 means they did not advance to the next stages of the tournament.
What is the next competition that Neymar will not participate in?
Neymar will not participate in the 2028 Copa América.
How many years did Neymar play for the Brazilian national team?
Neymar played for the Brazilian national team for 16 years.
Where was Neymar's last match for the Brazilian national team?
Neymar's last match for the Brazilian national team was at the MetLife Stadiu
m, in the United States.