Brazil: Neymar announces he is unlikely to play for the Seleção again

Brazilian football may be witnessing the end of an era. In the mixed zone after Santos’ victory over Universidad Central of Venezuela, Neymar opened up about his future with the Seleção, delivering words that sounded very much like a farewell to the national team.

“I think my story with the Brazilian national team is over. I gave it my heart and my entire life. I shed my blood for it, always fought for the yellow shirt, but I think I no longer have the desire today,” declared the 34-year-old forward.

Asked about a possible appearance at the 2030 World Cup, Neymar also shut the door:

“No, there won’t be any more. My time with the Seleção has passed. I made history there and I’m very happy with everything I experienced.”

An exceptional career with Brazil

These statements mark a turning point for a player who will remain one of the greatest in the history of the Brazilian national team. Since making his debut for the Seleção in 2010, Neymar has worn the famous yellow shirt more than 130 times, netting over 80 goals—making him Brazil’s all-time top scorer, ahead of the legendary Pelé. He also delivered dozens of assists and featured in four World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026).

With the national team, he won the 2013 Confederations Cup, clinched Olympic gold at the Rio Games in 2016—a historic first for Brazil—and reached the Copa América final in 2021. Despite these successes, the coveted World Cup title always eluded him, a goal that long guided his international ambitions.

A career that left its mark on world football

Discovered at a young age with Santos, where he notably won the Copa Libertadores in 2011, Neymar then moved to FC Barcelona. Alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, he formed the iconic “MSN” trio and won the 2015 Champions League, two La Liga titles, and several domestic cups.

In 2017, his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain for €222 million—a world record that still stands—made history in the transfer market. Donning PSG’s colors, he secured numerous domestic trophies and played in the 2020 Champions League final. After a stint at Al-Hilal, he returned to Santos, his boyhood club, where he continues his career today.

A legacy beyond trophies

Throughout his career, Neymar has established himself as one of the most gifted players of his generation. A dazzling dribbler, creator, and scorer, he has racked up more than 450 goals and over 250 assists for club and country, lifting major trophies in three different countries.

If his decision to stop wearing the Brazil shirt is confirmed, it will leave a massive void. Beyond the stats, Neymar has embodied the face of the Seleção for more than fifteen years, shouldering the expectations of a nation where football is nothing short of a religion.

Brazil will now have to build its future around a new generation led by players like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Endrick.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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