It began where it ended at MetLife Stadium. A circle completed in East Rutherford, where he once first stepped onto the pitch for Brazil as a young man.

Now 34, Brazil’s all-time top scorer stood in the shadow of time and injury. He came off the bench, fought through pain, and still found a late penalty goal. But when the final whistle came, it was not enough. Brazil lost to Norway 2-1. He broke down in tears, held by teammates as the dream slipped away.

He had worn the yellow shirt since 2010, when he debuted against the United States. Over the years, he became a symbol of brilliance, even surpassing Pelé in national scoring.

But the body grew fragile, and the years grew heavy. He played only briefly in this final tournament, his minutes measured, his influence fading but never fully gone.

After the match, captain Marquinhos spoke for a new generation waiting in the wings asking for patience, asking for belief.

And Neymar’s chapter, long and luminous, quietly came to an end.