Germany captain Manuel Neuer has announced his retirement from international football following his country’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 40-year-old called time on his international career after Germany were knocked out by Paraguay on penalties in the Round of 32 following a 1-1 draw at the Gillette Stadium.
Neuer fought until the final whistle and produced a crucial save during the penalty shootout, denying Paraguay’s fifth penalty to briefly keep Germany’s hopes alive.
However, Germany eventually lost the shootout 4-3, bringing an end to their World Cup campaign and Neuer’s final appearance for the national team.
The Bayern Munich goalkeeper had initially retired from international football after Euro 2024 before reversing his decision to make one last appearance for Germany at the 2026 World Cup under coach Julian Nagelsmann.
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Neuer leaves the national team after redefining the role of the modern goalkeeper, earning widespread recognition as the pioneer of the “sweeper-keeper” style.
He was a key member of Germany’s 2014 FIFA World Cup-winning squad in Brazil, where he also claimed the tournament’s Golden Glove award.
During the 2026 tournament, Neuer became the goalkeeper with the most World Cup appearances, moving ahead of former France captain Hugo Lloris.
He retires from international football with 128 appearances, 51 clean sheets and a career spanning 17 years since making his Germany debut in 2009.
Neuer is expected to continue his club career with Bayern Munich, while Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is now poised to become Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper.
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