Brazilian striker, Neymar Jr has reacted to his father’s comments suggesting that his son may not have completely finished his career with the Selecao despite the 34-year-old having announced his international retirement last month.
After nearly three years away from the national team, Neymar, 34, made a return during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Selecao was eliminated in the Round of 16 following a 2-1 defeat to Norway.
The all-time leading scorer for the Selecao came off the bench in the final 15 minutes of the 3-0 group stage victory over Scotland and played after halftime in the aforementioned loss to Norway.
Neymar scored a late penalty, providing a consolation goal after Norway had taken a 2-0 lead in the 90th minute.
In the aftermath of the loss, an emotional Neymar confirmed his international retirement. However, his father suggested that a return to the Selecao might still be possible, as reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano:
“I can’t guarantee that he’s 100% done with the Selecao. Maybe he can come back.”
Nevertheless, the striker appeared to dismiss the idea that his retirement from international play might not be definitive:
“It’s not my dad playing!”
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward concludes his international career with a remarkable total of 80 goals, the highest ever by a Brazilian player.
His goal against Norway made Neymar only the second player in Selecao history, after Pele, to score in four different World Cups.