Germany's goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday, ending his 15-year career with Die Mannschaft. Neuer is the fourth German player to retire from international football since Euro 2024.
The 38-year-old Bayern goalkeeper played 124 matches for Germany, captaining his country 61 times. His final appearance came in the quarter-final loss to eventual champions Spain at Euro 2024.
Neuer confirmed his decision in his video on Instagram, stating,
"Everyone who knows me knows that this decision was not easy for me. I feel very good physically and of course the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico would have been very appealing to me. At the same time, I am convinced that now is exactly the right time to take this step and to concentrate fully on FC Bayern Munich in the future. It was a great time that shaped me and of which I am very proud. Winning the World Cup in 2014 and the special atmosphere during the European Championships at home this year are highlights for which I am extremely grateful. It was an honour for me to be captain of our national team until 2023. I loved wearing the jersey of the German national team."
