Neymar quits Brazil national team after World Cup elimination

Brazilian football legend Neymar has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil's shock 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 on Sunday, July 5.

The loss at MetLife Stadium marked Brazil's earliest World Cup exit in 36 years. Neymar scored from the penalty spot, but a brace from Norway striker Erling Haaland ended the South American giants' campaign.

After the final whistle, the visibly emotional 34-year-old forward broke down in tears before confirming that he had played his last match for Brazil.

"I tried, I tried. Now it's over. I started here, I finished here," Neymar told Globo.

The announcement carried added significance because MetLife Stadium was also the venue where Neymar made his Brazil debut and scored his first international goal against the United States in August 2010.

Despite an injury-plagued final phase of his international career, Neymar retires as Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 80 goals, three more than Pelé. His final goal also made him only the second Brazilian man, after Pelé, to score in four different World Cups.

Neymar ends his Brazil career with 130 appearances, the second most in the nation's history behind Cafu's 142.

Following the elimination, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted the result was painful but said the team must now focus on rebuilding.

"We are deeply saddened by this outcome, and I don't believe it reflects what we deserved on the pitch. However, defeat is part of the sport. We must process this bitter moment and use it as motivation to launch a new era for this squad," Ancelotti told ESPN.

Neymar has not announced his retirement from club football and remains a player for Santos FC.