Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry, who are working together as the stars and experts of FOX Sports for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, paid tribute to Neymar following his decision to retire from international football after exiting in the Round of 16 in Brazil. The 34-year-old confirmed that Brazil’s 2-1 loss to Norway would be his last appearance for the Seleção, ending a 16-year international career that saw him become the country’s top scorer with 80 goals in 129 games. As Brazil’s campaign ended in disappointment, all commentators focused on Neymar’s performance in the match rather than his farewell.
Henry: ‘Thank you for what you have done’
Neymar announced his retirement shortly after Brazil’s withdrawal, having made two appearances in the competition. He came off the bench against Scotland in the group stage before scoring in stoppage time against Norway, his only goal at the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil’s Neymar (10) walks off the field with teammates after the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and Norway in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Talking on FOX Sports’ World Cup TodayThierry Henry emphasized Neymar’s impact on football.“Thank you. This is a guy I would pay to see. It’s as simple as that,” Henry said.The former French soldier added: “We can talk about tactics. We can talk about whatever it is… but this boy can play anywhere, at any time, in any format. He could make anyone, and he made everyone, love the game and the way he was, his goals, his smile, the way he went and his skills.“Every youngster wanted to be Neymar. You wanted to be Neymar. This guy changed the game with the way he played. So, I don’t want to talk about the World Cup and how he finished. I want to talk about what he has given to the game. Neymar was, and always will be, the best football player.“Thank you for what you did, I enjoyed it.”
Ibrahimović reflects on Neymar’s legacy
Zlatan Ibrahimović also praised Neymar, pointing to his talent and expectations that led to his career.“He will be remembered as the greatest player who came to Europe, and before he came to Europe, he was doing it in Brazil,” Ibrahimovic said.“When he was at Barcelona, he did well. At PSG, he did well. But I think people can also say that he could have done more than what he did because people wanted him to win the Ballon d’Or and he didn’t.“But an amazing talent, an amazing football player and the talent he had was just crazy. So, now the moment of Brazilian football.”
The global mission comes to an end
Neymar made his debut in Brazil in 2010 and represented his country in four FIFA World Cups. He also competed in two Olympic Games, winning silver in 2012 before taking Brazil home to gold in 2016.He retires as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 129 games, surpassing Pelé’s record. Injury kept him out of the 2026 World Cup for just 37 minutes in two substitute appearances, with his stoppage-time penalty against Norway the final goal of his international career.The elimination of Brazil closed the chapter of one of the most famous international events of today. Norway advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will face England following the Three Lions’ 3-2 win over Mexico.
