Germany’s legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has officially announced his retirement from international football, drawing the curtain on a remarkable career with the national team.
Neuer, who earned 124 caps for Germany, played a pivotal role in their 2014 FIFA World Cup triumph in Brazil and was a key figure in the squad for over a decade.
The Bayern Munich veteran, who also served as Germany’s captain on 61 occasions, revealed that the time had come to step back and focus solely on his club commitments.
His decision marks the end of an era for the German national team.
“After long and intensive discussions with my family and friends, I have decided to end my career in the national team,” Neuer shared, acknowledging the weight of his decision. “Everyone who knows me knows that this decision was not an easy one 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.”
Neuer, who was first called up to the national team by Joachim Löw in 2009, expressed deep gratitude to those who have been part of his journey.
“I would like to thank everyone I have gotten to know and appreciate over the past 15 years – my coaches Joachim Low, Hansi Flick, and Julian Nagelsmann, the goalkeeping coaches Andreas Köpke and Andreas Kronenberg, the assistant coaches, my teammates, the medical department, all staff members and employees of the DFB,” he appreciated.
His heartfelt message extended to the fans who have supported him throughout his career, stating, “I would also like to say a very special thank you to the fans of the national team who have always supported me over all these years! 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.”
Reflecting on his tenure as captain, Neuer expressed his pride and honour,saying, “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.”
Neuer’s retirement follows that of Ilkay Gündogan, Toni Kroos, and Thomas Müller, who also stepped down from international duty after the Euro 2024 tournament.
The departure of these seasoned players signifies a significant shift in the German squad, as they prepare for a new chapter under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann.
Nagelsmann, who has worked closely with Neuer both at Bayern Munich and now in his role with the national team, praised the goalkeeper’s influence on the game.
“Even though I can understand Manu’s decision and his motives, his departure is a great loss – both in sporting and human terms. Manu shaped goalkeeping like no other in the history of football. With his saves, his opening play, and his charisma, he was more than just a support for the national team for almost a decade and a half. His skills were a decisive factor in the idea of how we want to play football. Manu was and is a great athlete and a great, good guy,” he stressed.
Nagelsmann concluded by acknowledging the ongoing relationship he will maintain with Neuer. “I often and happily sought out conversations with him, and I am pleased that I can continue to do so in the future. We will miss Manu in the national team!”
Manuel Neuer’s legacy as one of football’s most iconic goalkeepers is secure, and his influence on the game will be felt for generations to come.
As he steps away from the international stage, his focus now turns entirely to Bayern Munich, where his experience and leadership will continue to be invaluable.
