Brazil was eliminated in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, and what followed upset many fans.
Neymar Jr. announced that his time with the Brazilian national team is over following Brazil's exit from the World Cup. Neymar played two games in the 2026 World Cup, where he scored a penalty against Norway in the Round of 16.
After the game, Neymar told media, "I tried. I tried. It started here [MetLife Stadium for Brazil], and I finished here. It is now over."
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Many fans have accepted that Neymar may no longer play for Brazil at a World Cup, while other fans believe the Brazilian star still has time to play at one more World Cup.
Neymar is currently 34 years old, and some fans are optimistic he could still play at the 2030 World Cup at the age of 38, since Lionel Messi (39) and Cristiano Ronaldo (41) played in the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar excited fans when the Brazilian star reacted to a popular AI video that hints at playing in the 2030 World Cup.
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Neymar's Instagram Comment That Excited Fans
A viral AI video made by NerdSoul with a caption that reads, "STILL GOT TIME? Is there still time for Neymar to play the Cup one last time?
The AI video features the "2026 Neymar" speaking to a very "young Neymar" about not winning the 2026 World Cup. Later in the video, there is a 'future' Neymar with the World Cup trophy with the year 2030 on it.
2026 Neymar asks the young Neymar if he should try and win the World Cup for Brazil again, and the young Neymar replies, "Yes, one last time".
Neymar reacted to the post with emotional face emojis in the comment section, which received nearly two million likes in less than a day from when the Instagram video was posted.
Neymar's comment has given fans hope that the Brazilian star will decide to continue with the Brazilian national team, with eyes on playing in the 2030 World Cup.
Neymar has yet to publish an official statement to confirm that his time with the Brazilian national team is done. UOL Esporte reports that Neymar will not play in the 2030 World Cup; the player's decision to leave the Brazilian national team is irreversible.
The report states that Neymar is also not part of Carlo Ancelotti's plans for this new cycle of the national team. His future with Santos is expected to be resolved later this week.
