Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has confirmed that he will retire from international football after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026, bringing an end to one of the most iconic careers in modern football.
Neuer's Announcement
The 40-year-old, a key figure in Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph, made the announcement during a press conference, stating that this tournament would mark his final appearance for the national team. Neuer is currently featuring in his fifth consecutive World Cup as Germany's first-choice goalkeeper, a remarkable return after initially stepping away from international football following Euro 2024, where Germany exited in the quarter-finals on home soil.
Reflections on His Decision
Explaining his journey back into the national setup, Neuer admitted that his decision to step aside in 2024 was carefully considered. "I stepped back in 2024 with a good reason after a good home Euro. For me, it was the right decision. It felt right," Neuer said, as quoted by Reuters. He also revealed that continuing for another cycle would have placed too heavy a physical and mental burden on him. "It would have been too much of a sporting burden for me (to have kept playing for the national team) for the last two years," he added.
Final Tournament
Confirming his retirement timeline, Neuer was clear about the road ahead. "For me, it is clear that this is my last tournament. I do not plan to be there in two years time for the next Euro. In the last days, I have dealt with the fact that these are the last games for Germany. But I want to look forward to all the games and not to any goodbye shirts."
Return Under Nagelsmann and World Cup Role
Neuer's inclusion in the World Cup squad had surprised many, as coach Julian Nagelsmann initially named Oliver Baumann as Germany's first-choice goalkeeper. However, an impressive run of form with Bayern Munich saw Neuer recalled for the tournament. He returned in style during Germany's opening Group E match, helping his side to a commanding 7-1 victory over Curacao.
Team Unity
Neuer also emphasised unity within the squad despite the selection debate. "We work together with Oliver. We support each other and train for the team. After coming together, we discussed things and talked about how it came about (with my return)," he said.
Upcoming Matches
Germany next face Ivory Coast in their second Group E fixture in Toronto on June 20. The match is expected to be a key step in their push for knockout qualification after their dominant opening win.
