Neymar’s World Cup curse ends with his farewell

Neymar’s inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad was controversial from the start, and his appearances throughout the tournament were brief and largely uneventful. In Brazil’s decisive Round of 16 clash against Norway, he came on in the 70th minute, just as the Scandinavians began to take control of the game and Erling Haaland struck twice. The Santos product now becomes only the second Brazilian player in history to appear in four World Cups without winning one. The other was Thiago Silva.

The No. 10 missed Brazil’s first two group-stage matches while recovering from injury. He made a brief cameo in the closing 15 minutes against Scotland with the game already under control, and against Japan he didn’t play at all, even when Brazil desperately needed a comeback.

Neymar comes on, Haaland breaks Brazil hearts

Against Norway, Ancelotti fully committed to Neymar’s return. With the score still 0-0 and everything to play for, the 34-year-old was introduced and deployed as a false nine, with Vinicius and Endrick on either side. He struggled to make an impact. With Neymar applying only minimal pressure, Norway found it easier to build from the back, and once the game reached Brazil’s penalty area, Haaland finished them off.

Deep into stoppage time, with the game all but over, Neymar converted a penalty after facing down Nyland. Moments later, following the final whistle, he broke down in tears. His final chance to win a World Cup had slipped away. He fought hard to make the squad, but he was unable to make a meaningful impact on the field. Some of the responsibility also falls on Ancelotti, who opted to take Neymar instead of Luiz Henrique or Igor Thiago.

Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, Neymar confirmed that his international career was over. It remains to be seen how much longer he will continue at club level.

“I tried. I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, and I finish here.”

Neymar was referring to the fact that he made his Brazil debut at the same stadium in New Jersey where his international career came to an end.

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