Legend footballer Neymar’s father on Tuesday shared an emotional message after the Brazil forward announced his retirement following the team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 exit against Norway. The 34-year-old forward announced his retirement after Brazil suffered a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16, ending the Selecao’s hopes of winning a sixth World Cup title
“Go back to playing football!” Neymar’s father wrote in a brief but emotional message shared on social media.
The post quickly drew attention from fans, many of whom praised the father’s words of encouragement following one of the most emotional moments of Neymar’s career.
Neymar announced his retirement from international football moments after Brazil’s defeat to Norway at MetLife Stadium.
Speaking after the match, the veteran forward reflected on his journey with the national team. “I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here; I finished here,” he said.
Brazil’s campaign came to an end after Erling Haaland scored a late brace for Norway. Neymar converted a penalty deep into stoppage time, but it proved to be only a consolation goal.
Neymar finishes his international career as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer.
He scored 80 goals and provided 59 assists in 130 appearances for the national team. His penalty against Norway was his first goal of the 2026 World Cup.
During his time with Brazil, Neymar helped the team win the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013 and also played a key role in securing the Olympic gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games.
Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad had remained uncertain until the final stages because of fitness concerns. However, head coach Carlo Ancelotti selected the experienced forward, hoping he could inspire another deep run in the tournament.
Instead, Brazil bowed out in the Round of 16, marking the country’s seventh consecutive World Cup knockout defeat against European opposition and its earliest exit from the tournament since 1990.
The defeat also brought the curtain down on one of the most celebrated international careers in Brazilian football history.