Brazil: ‘You’re not the one playing’ – Neymar responds to his dad’s national team comment

Brazilian striker, Neymar Jr has reacted to his father’s comments suggesting that his son may not have completely finished his career with the Selecao despite the 34-year-old having announced his international retirement last month.

After nearly three years away from the national team, Neymar, 34, made a return during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Selecao was eliminated in the Round of 16 following a 2-1 defeat to Norway.

The all-time leading scorer for the Selecao came off the bench in the final 15 minutes of the 3-0 group stage victory over Scotland and played after halftime in the aforementioned loss to Norway.

Neymar scored a late penalty, providing a consolation goal after Norway had taken a 2-0 lead in the 90th minute.

In the aftermath of the loss, an emotional Neymar confirmed his international retirement. However, his father suggested that a return to the Selecao might still be possible, as reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano:

“I can’t guarantee that he’s 100% done with the Selecao. Maybe he can come back.”

Nevertheless, the striker appeared to dismiss the idea that his retirement from international play might not be definitive:

“It’s not my dad playing!”

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward concludes his international career with a remarkable total of 80 goals, the highest ever by a Brazilian player.

His goal against Norway made Neymar only the second player in Selecao history, after Pele, to score in four different World Cups.