‘Thank you’: Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry pay emotional tributes to Neymar after international retirement Football News
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry, who are currently working together as star commentators and analysts on Fox Sports during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, paid tribute to Neymar following his decision to retire from international duty following Brazil’s last-16 exit. The 34-year-old confirmed that Brazil’s 2-1 win over Norway would be his last appearance for the Selecao, ending a 16-year international career that saw him become the country’s all-time top scorer with 80 goals in 129 games. While Brazil’s campaign ended in disappointment, both analysts focused on Neymar’s lasting impact on the game rather than his farewell.
Henry: “Thank you for everything”
Neymar, who announced his retirement shortly after Brazil’s elimination, made two appearances as a substitute. He came on as a substitute against Scotland in the group stage and then scored his only goal of the 2026 World Cup with a stoppage-time penalty against Norway.
Brazil’s Neymar (10) walks off the field with teammates after the World Cup round of 16 football match between Brazil and Norway in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Speaking on Fox Sports Today’s World CupHenry highlighted Neymar’s wider impact on football.“Thank you. This is a guy I would pay to see. Simple as that,” Henry said.The former France striker added: “We can talk about tactics. We can talk about anything… But this guy can play anywhere, at any time, in any style. He can make anyone, he does make anyone, love the game with his way, his goals, his smile, his approach and his technique.“Any young man wants to be Neymar. You want to be Neymar. This guy changed the game with the way he played. So, I don’t want to talk about the World Cup and the way he finished. I want to talk about what he gave to the sport. Neymar is and will always be a great player.“Thank you for everything, I enjoyed it.”
Ibrahimovic reflects on Neymar’s legacy
Zlatan Ibrahimovic also praised Neymar, highlighting his talent and the expectations that have shaped his career.“He will be remembered as a great footballer who came to Europe and before he came to Europe he was doing his own thing in Brazil,” Ibrahimovic said.“When he was at Barcelona he did well. When he was at PSG he did well. But I think people will also say he could have done more than he did because people wanted him to win the Ballon d’Or and he didn’t.“But he has amazing talent, great players and the skills he has, it’s crazy. So, it’s a sad moment for Brazilian football.”
International career coming to an end
Neymar made his debut for Brazil in 2010 and has represented his country in four World Cups. He also competed in two Olympics, winning silver in 2012 and then leading Brazil to gold on home soil in 2016.With 80 goals in 129 games, he became Brazil’s all-time top scorer, surpassing Pele’s long-standing record. Injury limited his playing time to 37 minutes at the 2026 World Cup, with two substitute appearances, and his stoppage-time penalty against Norway marked the final goal of his international career.Brazil’s exit capped one of the most decisive international careers of the modern era. Norway advanced to the quarter-finals, where the Three Lions defeated Mexico 3-2 and will face England.
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