Neymar announces retirement from Brazil duty

A historic chapter closed in Brazilian football as Neymar announced his retirement from the national team following the Selecao's 2-1 World Cup elimination by Norway in the round of 16. The announcement, which came in the immediate aftermath of an exit that left the country in tears, brings to an end the international career of one of the game's greatest stars.

At 32, Neymar leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in the yellow shirt. From bursting onto the scene as a teenage talent in 2009, he went on to become one of his country's most capped players. A serious injury at the 2022 World Cup plunged his career into a long and painful spell, and his final act in a Brazil shirt was to convert a late penalty in the dying moments of a defeat that ended their tournament hopes. Neymar stepped up for a penalty in the 90th-plus minutes and converted, but Haaland's two goals proved decisive and the 2-1 defeat sent Brazil home.

Used largely from the bench by Ancelotti during this tournament, Neymar answered the question of whether he would ever wear the national jersey again in comments delivered after the final whistle. Brazil, the only nation to have taken part in all 22 World Cups since 1930 and a five-time champion, had been targeting a first title since 2002. With Neymar's departure, the door to a new generation now swings fully open.

Vinicius Junior, Endrick and Rayan are among the young names who will carry Brazil forward without him. Neymar, one of football's most recognisable figures, is expected to continue his club career. The final line of his national team story was written in the middle of a heartbreaking elimination.

Image: Yahoo Sports