RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 29, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Neymar has confirmed his 
international retirement, tearfully declaring he was done playing for the 
Brazil national team following their World Cup defeat by Norway.

"My time with the national team is over. I made history, I was very happy, I 
gave my blood and my life... but now I don't want it anymore," Neymar told 
journalists after his club Santos defeated Venezuela's UCV 4-2 in the Copa 
Sudamericana on Tuesday.

Brazil's record goalscorer was included in the World Cup squad almost three 
years after he last played for the national team, and played only 37 minutes 
across two matches.

His only goal -- a penalty -- was not enough to prevent an early exit for 
Brazil after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the last 16 and he tearfully declared: 
"It ends here."

Neymar, 34, remains under contract with Santos -- fighting to avoid 
relegation -- until the end of the year.

He scored twice in his first match upon his return, responding to his critics 
with a tongue-in-cheek goal celebration.

Neymar celebrated with a card-dealing gesture -- after facing criticism for 
taking part in a poker tournament while his team-mates were playing a Copa 
Sudamericana match in Venezuela.

He started on the bench Tuesday for the return game against the same team, as 
Santos comfortably sealed a spot in the last 16.