German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has confirmed his retirement from international football following Germany’s failure at the ended Euro 2024.
The 38-year-old, who earned 124 caps for the national team, announced his decision via a heartfelt video on Instagram.
Neuer, a key figure in Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad and renowned as the pioneer of the “sweeper-keeper” role, expressed that the decision to retire was not easy.
He mentioned that while the allure of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico was tempting, he feels that now is the right time to step back and focus entirely on his club career with Bayern Munich.
“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,” Neuer said. “It was an honour for me to be captain of our national team until 2023.”
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Neuer’s retirement follows in the footsteps of teammates Ilkay Gündoğan, Thomas Müller, and Toni Kroos, who also decided to step away from international duty after this summer’s tournament.
Germany’s Euro 2024 campaign ended in the quarter-finals with a defeat to eventual champions Spain.
Nagelsmann to choose between Ter Stegen and Baumann as Manuel Neuer retires
As Germany’s coach, Julian Nagelsmann, looks to rebuild the team, the search for Neuer’s successor begins. Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen, who has long played a supporting role, is expected to step up, while Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann could also be in contention.
Neuer will continue his club career under Bayern Munich’s new coach, Vincent Kompany, aiming to bounce back after a trophyless 2023-24 season.
Meanwhile, Germany will resume their international campaign in September with Nations League matches against Hungary and the Netherlands, marking the start of a new era for the national team.
