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Neymar has now officially confirmed his retirement from the Brazil national team after a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign under Carlo Ancelotti. The Santos star also used the moment to respond to recent media reports that claimed he had been “bullying” younger team-mates in the Vila Belmiro dressing room.

Neymar's international retirement confirmed

Neymar has confirmed that he has decided to hang up his boots for the Seleção after their 2026 World Cup round-of-16 exit against Norway. Looking back on his long and memorable career in the famous yellow shirt, the 34-year-old said he has no regrets about what he gave to the national team after years of carrying the hopes of an entire country.

End of an era

“My time with the national team is over,” Neymar said clearly when asked about his future after Santos’ 4-2 win over Universidad Central. “I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life, I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I don't want to anymore.” The call brings down the curtain on an era in Brazilian football, with their all-time leading scorer now turning his full attention to club football with his boyhood side.

That final confirmation came after an emotional scene at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where a clearly distraught Neymar was in tears on the pitch after Brazil’s World Cup exit. Even though he scored a penalty in the dying seconds of the match, the former Barcelona great could not hold back his emotions as his 16-year international journey ended in heartbreaking fashion.

Denial of dressing room bullying

At club level, the Santos captain used the post-match interview to answer allegations that he had insulted Gabriel Bontempo and Joao Ananias after a 2-2 draw with Chapecoense. Reports had claimed Neymar had mocked the youngsters’ technical ability and suggested they would be playing in the second division next season. However, the experienced forward says those claims are completely made up by “malicious” reports trying to create division.

“It’s sad and annoying, but it’s not my fault. These stories reach a lot of people,” Neymar said. “I spoke after the match, demanded better, and said we couldn't afford to be so slack. You can't go giving away a draw like that, with all due respect to Chapecoense. That's all I said. I said we’d get our rematch against them next year, if you know what I mean. As captain, I’ve got every right to say that. Lucas Veríssimo and Gabigol spoke up too.”

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Performance on the pitch

Even with the off-field noise, Neymar remains a key figure for Santos on the pitch. In Tuesday’s continental clash, the attacker came off the bench to help his side to a 4-2 win over Venezuelan club Universidad Central. After the final whistle, opposition players surrounded him asking for photos and memorabilia, and he eventually left the pitch wearing only his underwear after giving away his kit to admiring rivals. The win sealed Santos’ place in the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana, where they will meet Ecuadorian side Macara.