Martin Odegaard has admitted that his on-field clash with Neymar during Norway's 2-1 victory over Brazil in the World Cup became 'a little awkward,' but noted that the pair reconciled after the match.
Norway's Dramatic Win Over Brazil
Norway secured a stunning comeback win against Brazil on July 5, 2026, with two late goals from Erling Haaland in the second half. Brazil had a chance to take the lead in the first half but Bruno Guimaraes missed a penalty. Neymar, who came on as a substitute in the second half, pulled a goal back for Brazil in the 10th minute of injury time, but it was not enough to avoid elimination.
Neymar's Frustration Boils Over
Neymar, visibly frustrated, targeted Odegaard on multiple occasions. He received a yellow card for kicking the Norway captain after failing to tackle him twice. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward then shoved Odegaard during a heated confrontation between both sets of players. After scoring his penalty, Neymar also shoulder-barged Odegaard as he made his way back to Brazil's half to restart the match.
Post-Match Reconciliation
Following the full-time whistle, according to Odegaard, Neymar sought him out during Norway's celebrations and hugged the Arsenal captain before exchanging a few words. 'Yes, it got a little awkward,' Odegaard told TV2. 'But there was a good atmosphere afterwards. So it ended well.'
Neymar's International Retirement
Neymar, 34, appeared to confirm his retirement from Brazil's national team after the defeat. 'I tried, I tried. Now it's over,' Neymar told Globo. 'I started here, I finished here.' He was in tears on the pitch following the loss. Former Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo criticized coach Carlo Ancelotti for not starting Neymar, saying, 'I would have started the game with Neymar right away... Maybe if he had been in the first half, he would have converted [the penalty] and the game would have been a different story.'
Next Match: Norway vs England
Norway will now face England in the World Cup quarter-final at 10pm BST on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
