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2026 World Cup: Neymar Bids Farewell to the Seleção in Tears, Setting a Record

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At the end of the “I tried, I tried. Now it’s over,” he told Globo. “I started here, I ended here.” Neymar made his debut with the Brazilian national team against the United States in a friendly at MetLife Stadium in August 2010 (the same venue as the loss to Norway), scoring his first goal for the national team. He will end his international career as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals, three more than the legendary Pelé.

His goal in stoppage time against Norway (on a penalty kick) made him the second Brazilian player, after Pelé, to score in four World Cups. Neymar has made 130 appearances for the national team, second only to Cafu (142) on Brazil’s all-time list.

Records aside, there is great sadness that, on his final attempt, he was unable to help his beloved Brazil go all the way in a World Cup where he did everything he could to be there and take the field.

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