Neymar Signals End of Brazil Career After World Cup Exit

Brazil's all-time leading scorer says he has "made history" with the national team and no longer intends to wear the famous yellow jersey following the Selecao's last-16 elimination.

Sports Desk

BRASILIA: Brazil's record goalscorer Neymar Jr has indicated that his international career is over, saying he no longer plans to represent the national team after Brazil's disappointing exit from the FIFA World Cup earlier this month.

The 34-year-old made the remarks after Santos' 4-2 win over Venezuela's Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana, where he reflected on his future with the Selecao. "I believe my journey with the national team has come to an end. I made history there and I'm grateful for everything I experienced. I gave everything I had and always fought for the Brazil shirt, but I don't think I want to continue anymore," Neymar told reporters.

His comments echoed the emotions he expressed after Brazil's 2-1 defeat to Norway in the World Cup Round of 16 on July 5. Neymar, who came off the bench to score a stoppage-time penalty in that match, suggested at the time that it could be his final appearance for the national side, saying: "I tried, I tried. Now it's over."

The defeat marked Brazil's earliest World Cup exit since 1990 and extended the five-time champions' wait for a sixth world title. Over an international career spanning four FIFA World Cups, Neymar became Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 80 goals and also registered 58 assists in 130 appearances. While he enjoyed major club success with Santos, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, his only senior international title came in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.