"Neymar is still a child," one viewer wrote on social media platform X. "He should not have behaved so shamefully."

The incident occurred in the 10th minute of second-half stoppage time. After Neymar successfully converted a penalty, narrowing the score to 1-2 for Brazil, the 34-year-old forward approached Norway's goalkeeper, Orjan Nyland, laughing and mocking him, instead of quickly retrieving the ball to restart play. Nyland, the 35-year-old reserve goalkeeper for Sevilla last season who also played for Aston Villa and won the German Cup in 2023 with Leipzig, simply smiled in response. Approximately one minute later, the referee blew the whistle, ending the match.

Neymar (yellow jersey) mocks goalkeeper Nyland after successfully converting a penalty in Norway's 2-1 victory over Brazil, in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, US on the evening of 5/7. *Photo: AP*

Neymar's actions drew widespread criticism on forums and social media platforms, with many calling them arrogant and petty. "This boy is blessed with every talent, but he is so petty that he becomes trash," another person wrote on X.

Critics also questioned Neymar's professionalism, arguing he has never reached 100% of his form during World Cup appearances. They highlighted the 34-year-old forward's arrogance after a mere penalty kick, noting he has never won a World Cup, a Ballon d'Or, or the FIFA Best Player award. In his four World Cup appearances, Neymar has been eliminated once in the round of 16, two times in the quarterfinals, and one time in the semifinals.

Amidst the public outcry, some fans defended Neymar. Some even lauded him as the greatest player of all time, suggesting that his scoring, confronting, and mocking opponents were qualities Brazil currently lacks. Others countered the view that Neymar played poorly, pointing out that he only started two out of five matches from the bench and lacked time to regain his match fitness.

"At least Neymar did not back down from that goalkeeper," one fan wrote. "You can say bad things, but Neymar was the most active Brazilian player in the second half."

Brazil's early exit from the tournament followed a match where they started well, creating several clear opportunities to take the lead. However, wasted chances cost them dearly, with Bruno Guimaraes missing a penalty early in the first half and Endrick shooting wide when facing Norway's goalkeeper early in the second half.

Norway capitalized on these missed opportunities. In the 79th minute, Erling Haaland headed in a cross from the left wing to open the scoring. In the 90th minute, the Manchester City forward doubled Norway's lead with a left-footed shot from outside the box. Brazil's only goal came from Neymar's penalty in the 90+10th minute.

This elimination in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup marked Brazil's earliest exit since 1990. Since 1994, the yellow and green team has reached the quarterfinals eight times, the semifinals four times, the finals three times, and won the championship two times.

Following the match against Norway, Neymar announced he would not play for the national team again. This decision brings an end to his international career, which included 130 matches, a record 80 goals, and 58 assists for Brazil. He was once one of the world's leading forwards before suffering a torn knee ligament in 10/2023, an injury that sidelined him for one year and led to a loss of form.

Thanh Quy (via X)