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Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry, who are currently working together as chief pundits and analysts for FOX Sports during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have paid tribute to Neymar following his decision to retire from international football following Brazil’s round of 16 exit. The 34-year-old confirmed that Brazil’s 2-1 defeat by Norway will be his final appearance for the Seleção, ending a 16-year international career that saw him become the country’s all-time top goalscorer with 80 goals in 129 appearances. While Brazil’s campaign ended in disappointment, both analysts focused on Neymar’s lasting impact on the game rather than the circumstances of his farewell.
Henry: ‘Thank you for what you did’
Neymar announced his retirement shortly after Brazil were eliminated, having made two substitutions in the tournament. He came off the bench against Scotland in the group stage before scoring from the penalty spot 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)
Speaking on FOX Sports’ World Cup todayThierry Henry highlights Neymar’s wider impact on football.“Thanks. That’s a guy I’d pay to watch. Simple,” Henry said.The former France striker added: “We can talk about tactics. We can talk about anything… but this guy could play anywhere, at any time, in any style. He could make anyone, and he made everyone, love the game because of the way he was, his goals, his smile, the way he did it and his skills.“Every young person wanted to be Neymar. You wanted to be Neymar. This guy changed the game with the way he played it. So I don’t want to talk about the World Cup and the way it ended. I want to talk about what he gave to the game. Neymar was and always will be an outstanding player.“Thank you for what you did, I enjoyed it.”
Ibrahimovic reflected on Neymar’s legacy
Zlatan Ibrahimović also praised Neymar, highlighting both his talent and the expectations that shaped his career.He will be remembered as a great soccer player who came to Europe, and before he came to Europe, he did his thing in Brazil, Ibrahimović said.“When he was at Barcelona, he was good. When he was at PSG, he was good. But I think people will also say that he could have done more than he did because people wanted him to win the Ballon d’Or and he didn’t.“But an incredible talent, an incredible player and the skill set he had was just crazy. So, a sad moment for Brazilian football.”
The international career is coming to an end
Neymar made his debut for Brazil in 2010 and has represented his country at four FIFA World Cups. He also competed in two Olympics, winning silver in 2012 before captaining Brazil to gold on home soil in 2016.He retired as Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 80 goals in 129 appearances, surpassing Pelé’s long-standing record. Injuries limited his involvement at the 2026 World Cup to just 37 minutes in two substitute appearances, and his stoppage-time penalty against Norway marked the final goal of his international career.The elimination of Brazil closed the chapter of one of the key international careers of the modern era. Norway advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will meet England after the Three Lions beat Mexico 3-2.
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