Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry, currently working together as star pundits and analysts for FOX Sports during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, paid tribute to Neymar following his decision to retire from international football after Brazil’s Round of 16 exit. The 34-year-old confirmed that Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to 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’ve done’
Neymar announced his retirement shortly after Brazil were eliminated, having made two substitute appearances at 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)
Speaking on FOX Sports’ World Cup Today, Thierry Henry emphasized Neymar’s broader impact on football.“Thank you. This is a guy I would’ve paid to watch. Simple as that,” Henry said.The former France striker added: “We can talk about tactics. We can talk about whatever it is … but this guy could play anywhere, at any time, in any style. He could’ve made anyone, and he did make anyone, love the game with the way he was, his goals, his smile, the way he went about it and his skills.“Anyone young wanted to be Neymar. You wanted to be Neymar. This guy changed the game with the way he was playing it. So, I don’t want to talk about a World Cup and the way he finished. I want to talk about what he has given to the game. Neymar was, and always will be, an outstanding player.“Thank you for what you’ve done, I’ve enjoyed it.”
Ibrahimović reflects 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 the great footballer that came over to Europe, and before he came over to Europe, he was doing his thing in Brazil,” Ibrahimović said.“When he was at Barcelona, he did good. When he was at PSG, he did good. But I think people will say also that he could’ve done more than he did because people wanted him to win the Ballon d’Or and he didn’t win.“But an amazing talent, an amazing player and the skill set he had was just crazy. So, sad moment for Brazilian football.”
An international career comes to a close
Neymar debuted for Brazil in 2010 and represented his country at 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 retires as Brazil’s all-time leading 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 across 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 following the Three Lions’ 3-2 victory over Mexico.
