Neymar and Neuer Lead a Generation Into Retirement

The 2026 World Cup did not just crown a new champion. It also drew the curtain on several long and storied international careers. According to The Guardian, Neymar is among the most prominent names to have announced his retirement from Brazil duty, making an emotional statement after his side's exit, noting that his international journey both began and ended at MetLife Stadium.

Germany's Manuel Neuer, a World Cup winner from 2014, is also among those stepping away. The Guardian's piece gathers ten other players who have decided that this tournament marked their final chapter in international colours.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, working as a television pundit during the tournament, offered a tribute to Neymar, describing his skill set as remarkable and calling it a sad moment for Brazilian football. The era of several giants of the game is now, officially, over.