Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar retired from international football after Brazil and Portugal were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their departures marked the end of eras for both national teams, as they joined other notable players like Manuel Neuer and Guillermo Ochoa in bidding emotional farewells to international competition.
The 2026 World Cup has become a turning point for several veteran players, signaling a generational shift in global football. The simultaneous exit of such high-profile athletes raises questions about how many more prominent figures might retire from international duty following the tournament.