Twelve years after the tears of the 2014 World Cup, when injury ruled Neymar out before Brazil's humiliating 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany, Neymar's international career came to an emotional end in New Jersey as Brazil suffered another painful World Cup exit. His participation in the tournament had been uncertain after a calf injury, but the coach Carlo Ancelotti included him in the squad, allowing him to appear in his fourth World Cup.

His selection had even drawn criticism from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who joked that Neymar was "the first player in the world to be called up while working remotely."

The 34-year-old missed Brazil's opening 1-1 draw with Morocco and was left out of the squad for the 3-0 victory over Haiti before making a substitute appearance against Scotland. He was also absent from Brazil's 2-1 win over Japan.

"It started here, and it ends here"

After Erling Haaland scored twice to send Norway into the quarter-finals, Neymar's international career came to an end after earning his 130th and final cap when he replaced Gabriel Martinelli in the 67th minute.

Visibly emotional, he struggled to make an impact after coming on, while fans captured the moment on their phones.

Speaking briefly after the match, Neymar said: "I tried and I tried. Now it's over. It started here, and it ends here."

Final international goal

As Brazil's elimination became inevitable, Neymar's frustration showed when he received a yellow card following a late challenge and confrontation with Norwegian players.

However, he still had one final moment in a Brazil shirt. After Leo Østigård fouled Casemiro in the penalty area, Brazil were awarded a second penalty after Bruno Guimarães had missed an earlier spot-kick.

Despite attempts by goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland to distract him, Neymar calmly converted the penalty deep into stoppage time to score his 80th international goal.

The goal was only a bittersweet farewell, as it could not prevent Brazil's first Round of 16 World Cup elimination since 1990. Neymar's World Cup journey ends without lifting the trophy, having reached the semi-finals in 2014 without playing after injury, and the quarter-finals in both 2018 and 2022.