Manuel Neuer, the 38-year-old German goalkeeper, has announced his retirement from international football after a distinguished 15-year career that included 124 appearances for Germany. Neuer, who was a key part of the team that won the 2014 World Cup, made the announcement via Instagram, stating, ‘Now is the right time to take this step’.Despite feeling physically fit and acknowledging that the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico would have been a great opportunity, Neuer decided to focus on his club career with Bayern Munich. His retirement marks the end of an era for German football, as he is the last player from the 2014 World Cup-winning squad to retire from international duty.The football community has responded with an outpouring of respect and regret. Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann said, ‘Goalkeeper play has been shaped like no other by Manuel. Although I can understand his decision and reasons, his departure is a great loss – both sportingly and humanly’. DFB-Sportdirektor Rudi Völler added, ‘With his saves, his rescue acts, his player opening, and his aura, he was more than just a safety net for the national team over almost a decade and a half’.While retiring from international duty, Neuer remains committed to his club career with Bayern Munich, where he is under contract until 2025. He expressed optimism about the upcoming season under new coach Vincent Kompany, saying, ‘We want to reach for the stars’. Neuer’s focus now shifts to helping Bayern reclaim their Bundesliga crown and potentially reaching another Champions League final.
Key points
- Manuel Neuer retires from international football after 15 years and 124 appearances for Germany.
- Neuer was the last player from the 2014 World Cup-winning squad to retire from international duty.
- The goalkeeper will continue his club career with Bayern Munich, expressing optimism about the upcoming season under new coach Vincent Kompany.
