Brazilian football icon Neymar Jr. has officially confirmed his retirement from the Brazil national team, bringing an end to one of the most celebrated international careers in the country's football history.
In an emotional statement, the 34-year-old forward said he had "given my blood" for Brazil, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country over the years while reflecting on the sacrifices he made in the famous yellow jersey.
"I gave my blood for this team," Neymar said, adding that wearing the Brazil shirt had always been one of the greatest honours of his career.
The announcement comes after months of speculation surrounding his international future following Brazil's recent campaigns. Neymar did not indicate any plans to reverse the decision, suggesting that his focus will now be on club football.
Alongside confirming his retirement from international duty, the Santos forward also addressed recent reports alleging that he had bullied two of the club's young players, Gabriel Bontempo and João Victor.
Describing the reports as "annoying" and "false," Neymar firmly denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he has always sought to support and mentor younger teammates rather than intimidate them.
He said the accusations did not reflect his character or his relationship with players at Santos, stressing that he remains committed to helping the next generation of footballers develop both on and off the pitch.
The rumours had circulated widely on social media in recent days, prompting debate among supporters. However, Neymar maintained that there had been no conflict with the young players and urged fans not to believe every report published online without verification.
Neymar returned to Santos after a career that saw him play for some of the world's biggest clubs, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al-Hilal. His homecoming was widely celebrated by supporters, who viewed his return as an opportunity to inspire the club where his professional career began.
During his international career, Neymar became Brazil's all-time leading men's goalscorer, surpassing the long-standing record previously held by Pelé. He represented the Seleção in multiple FIFA World Cups, Copa América tournaments, and Olympic competitions, helping Brazil win the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2016 Olympic gold medal on home soil.
Although injuries disrupted parts of his international career, Neymar remained one of Brazil's most influential players for more than a decade, earning widespread recognition for his creativity, goals, and technical ability.
Tributes have continued to pour in from football fans and former teammates following his retirement announcement, with many praising his contribution to Brazilian football and his lasting impact on the global game.
While his chapter with the national team has come to a close, Neymar says he remains fully committed to Santos as he enters the next stage of his playing career.