Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry, who are currently working together as star 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 in Norway would be his final appearance for the Seleção, ending a 16-year international career that saw him become the country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 80 goals in 129 appearances. While Brazil’s campaign ended in disappointment, both analysts focused on Neymar’s lasting influence on the game rather than the circumstances of his farewell.
Henry: “Thank you for what you did”
Neymar announced his retirement shortly after Brazil’s elimination, having made two substitute appearances 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 of 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 wider impact on football.“Thank you. This is a man I would pay to watch. Simply like that,” said Henry.The former France striker added: “We can talk about tactics. We can talk about what it is… but this guy could play anywhere, at any time, in any style. He could make anyone, and he made anyone, love the game with the way he was, his goals, his smile, the way he went and his skills.“Some young man wanted to be Neymar. You want to be Neymar. This man changed the game with the way he played. So, I don’t want to talk about a World Cup and the way he finished. 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.”
Ibrahimović reflects on Neymar’s legacy
Zlatan Ibrahimović also praised Neymar, highlighting his talent and the expectations that shaped his career.“He will be remembered as the great footballer who came to Europe, and before returning to Europe, he was doing his thing in Brazil,” said Ibrahimović.“When he was at Barcelona, he did well. When he was at PSG, he did well. But I think people will also say that he could have done more than him because people wanted him to win the Ballon d’Or and he didn’t.“But an amazing talent, an amazing player and the skill he had was just crazy. So, sad moment for Brazilian football.”
An international career is coming to an end
Neymar debuted for Brazil in 2010 and has represented his country in four FIFA World Cups. He also competed in two Olympic Games, winning silver in 2012 before captaining Brazil to gold on home soil in 2016.He retired as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 80 goals in 129 appearances, surpassing Pelé’s long-standing record. Injuries limited his participation at the 2026 World Cup to just 37 minutes in two substitute appearances, with his stoppage-time penalty against Norway marking the final goal of his international career.Brazil’s elimination closed the chapter on one of the defining international careers of the modern era. Norway advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will face England after the Three Lions’ 3-2 win over Mexico.