Brazilian football icon Neymar has played down suggestions that he could make a return to the national team, insisting the decision to retire from international football remains his alone despite his father’s optimism.
The 34-year-old forward was responding to comments made by his father, Neymar Santos Sr., who recently hinted that the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star might not have played his last match for the Selecao.
“I can’t guarantee that he’s 100 per cent done with the Selecao. Maybe he can come back,” Neymar’s father said in remarks reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
However, Neymar swiftly dismissed the speculation with a light-hearted but firm response.
“It’s not my dad playing!” the Brazilian striker said, making it clear that any decision about his international future rests solely with him.
Neymar announced his retirement from international football after Brazil’s disappointing Round of 16 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the South American giants suffered a 2-1 defeat to Norway.
The veteran forward had returned to the national team for the tournament after spending almost three years away from international football. He featured as a second-half substitute during Brazil’s 3-0 group-stage victory over Scotland before playing another cameo role in the defeat to Norway, where he scored a late penalty for Brazil’s only goal.
An emotional Neymar confirmed after the match that his journey with the national team had come to an end, although his father’s recent remarks have fuelled fresh speculation over a possible comeback.
Any return to the Selecao would depend on Neymar reversing his retirement decision and convincing Brazil’s coaching staff that he remains capable of competing at the highest level.
Widely regarded as one of Brazil’s greatest players, Neymar leaves the national team as the country’s all-time leading scorer with 80 international goals, surpassing the legendary Pele.
His goal against Norway also earned him another place in Brazil’s football history, making him only the second Brazilian player after Pele to score in four different FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Over the course of his illustrious international career, Neymar helped Brazil win the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and secured the country’s first-ever Olympic men’s football gold medal at Rio 2016, while also leading the Selecao to the final of the 2021 Copa America.
Although his father believes the door remains open, Neymar’s latest comments suggest the curtain has fallen on one of the most successful international careers in Brazilian football history.
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