Neymar has indicated his time with the Brazil national team may be coming to an end, following Santos’ 4-2 victory over Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana. The forward responded to comments made by Lucas Moura, who had expressed hope of seeing Neymar return to the Seleção, potentially for the 2030 World Cup.
According to UOL Esporte, Neymar stated, “I thank Lucas Moura, but it won’t happen.” He believes he has already given his all to the Brazilian national team and that his period of glory with the squad is over. “I think my time of glory with the Brazilian national team is already over,” Neymar reportedly said. “I wrote a page in history there and I am very happy. I lived a lot of things there. I gave all my heart and all my life, I always fought for the yellow shirt, but I think I no longer want to.”
While Neymar has not formally announced his international retirement, his recent penalty against Norway in the round of 16, during which Brazil were eliminated 2-1, is being interpreted by some as a symbolic final act. The 31-year-old has been a mainstay for Brazil for over a decade, amassing 79 goals in 124 appearances.
Neymar rejoined Santos in August 2023, returning to the club where he began his professional career after a six-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain. He has scored eight goals in 10 appearances for Santos since his return, helping to revitalize the club’s attack. His form has not been enough to alter his perspective on his international future, however. The potential absence of Neymar would represent a significant shift for the Brazilian national team, leaving a void in terms of both talent and experience.
