Neymar was slammed by fans for his behavior as Brazil was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Norway.
Norway advanced to its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal on Sunday in a stunning 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil. Erling Haaland scored twice in the second half to propel the Norwegians to the last eight, while Brazil, one of the pre-tournament favorites, was sent home packing.
The defeat marked Brazilian national team legend Neymar’s final match for his country, and the 34-year-old closed out his career with the Seleção in humiliating fashion.
After converting a last-minute penalty kick to make the score 2-1, Neymar went up to Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland and laughed in his face. Moments later, the Brazilian star was seen weeping on the field after the final whistle. Following the confrontation, a lip-reader worked out Neymar’s three-word remark to Nyland after scoring his penalty.
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Fans on social media were quick to blast Neymar for his behavior. “Why the hell is Neymar laughing at the keeper while his team is getting knocked out of the World Cup this is so embarrassing man,” one fan posted on X.
“Neymar made this so much more embarrassing than it had to be,” added another.
One viewer blasted the Brazil No. 10’s selfishness, writing, “Neymar making it clear that he only cares about himself. He converts a penalty that shouldn’t have been given, and immediately runs up to the opposition goalkeeper to start bantering him. You’re out. Grow up.”
Another fan slammed Neymar before giving Haaland, who opted not to celebrate after scoring the game-clinching goal, his rightful praise, stating, “Neymar sub and antics extremely selfish. Wonder what the discourse would be if it was a certain Portugese. Anyways... legacy game for Erling Braut Haaland.”
Since becoming one of the world’s most recognizable soccer stars in the early 2010s, Neymar has consistently divided opinion. He is well regarded as one of the most naturally gifted and skillful players of his generation, but was unable to fulfill his sky-high potential due to injuries.
As the poster boy of the Brazil national team, he never made it beyond the semifinal round of the World Cup in four tries.
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He came closest in 2014, a tournament which was hosted by Brazil, but suffered a fractured vertebra in the quarterfinal against Colombia before his team was embarrassed 7-1 by Germany in the semifinal.
Ahead of this year’s tournament, Neymar was controversially selected by Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti despite his lack of competitive game time and fitness in recent years.
He did not start any of Brazil’s five matches, but was deemed healthy enough to play 37 total minutes across two substitute appearances against Scotland and Norway.
Neymar finishes his international career as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals, more than national team legends like Pele and Ronaldo.