Neuer follows Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller and Ilkay Gundogan in retiring from the German national team after Euro 2024.
At the age of 38, Germany’s 2014 World Cup winning goalkeeper Manuel Neuer announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday. The experienced Neuer of Bayern Munich captained his nation 61 times throughout his 124 games as a player. His final game was in the Euro 2024 quarterfinal defeat to eventual champions Spain. While he was tempted to play until the 2026 World Cup, Neuer stated on social media that he was “convinced that now is the right time to take this step”.
As Germany won the championship for the fourth time, he starred during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he was crowned the best goalkeeper of the competition.
Neuer, who is regarded as the prototypical “sweeper-keeper” of the current age, transformed the position by frequently stepping outside of his penalty box to thwart assaults and by using foot talents that are typically reserved for outfield players.
After speaking with his family and having a lengthy talk with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Wednesday morning, Neuer disclosed that he had made the announcement.
Having won two Champions Leagues and eleven Bundesliga crowns with Bayern, he said that he will “concentrate fully” on playing for them going forward.
Munich’s Allianz Arena will host the Champions League final this season.
After suffering a fractured leg in a skiing accident in December 2022, Neuer did not make his way back to the first team until shortly before the German team’s home-grown Euro 2024 campaign.
After a string of errors at the club and international levels, he faced criticism before to Euro 2024, but he performed admirably during the competition.
“It was a great time which shaped me and of which I am very proud,” added the man.
“The highlights of my career, for which I am really thankful, are winning the World Cup in 2014 and the unique atmosphere at the European Championship at home this year.
“Being our national team’s captain till 2023 was an honor for me. I cherished donning the Germany soccer uniform.”
Neuer and Germany reached every major tournament final four between 2010 and 2016.
Following disastrous group stage losses from both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, as well as an England last-16 elimination at Euro 2020, Germany defeated England in their first knockout encounter at Euro 2024.
Neuer enters the international retirement process after fellow 2014 World Cup winners Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller, who both competed at Euro 2024.
The current captain of Germany, Ilkay Gundogan, who was injured and missed the 2014 World Cup, also said on Monday that this was his final game for his country.
Neuer, a native of Gelsenkirchen, Germany, attended the Schalke academy before making his debut for his country in 2009. He now holds the record for most caps among all goalkeepers for Germany.
Neuer played 124 games for Germany, winning 81 of them and recording 51 clean sheets.
The Bayern captain’s retirement makes room for veteran backup Marc-Andre ter Stegen of Barcelona, who is anticipated to replace him as Germany’s top player.
