Heartbreak In The Arena: Neymar ‘Retires’ After Shocking World Cup Ouster By Norway!.

Following a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the World Cup Round of 16 on Sunday, July 5, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, Neymar, appeared to announce his retirement from international football. Despite scoring a penalty in stoppage time after entering the match as a late substitute, his efforts could not overcome Norway’s two goals, both scored by Erling Haaland.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Following the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, the 34-year-old was seen visibly distraught, collapsing in tears while his teammates attempted to console him.

• In a brief statement to Globo Esporte, Neymar indicated that his national team career is finished, stating, “I tried, and I tried. Now it’s over. It began here, and it ends here”.

• The sentiment was particularly poignant as the MetLife Stadium was the site of his first goal for Brazil in 2010.

Context of His Final Tournament

• Neymar, who now plays for Santos, was a surprise selection for the squad managed by Carlo Ancelotti and has struggled with injuries over recent years.

• He missed the opening two group matches due to injury and returned to play in a 3-0 victory over Scotland, which secured Brazil’s spot in the knockout stage.

• His appearance against Norway was his only other match in the tournament, serving as the likely conclusion to his decade-long tenure as the centerpiece of Brazilian football.