Manuel Neuer has brought his Germany international career to a definitive close following the national team’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The 40-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper confirmed his retirement from international duty shortly after Germany suffered a round of 32 defeat to Paraguay on penalties.
Final appearance ends in disappointment
The early exit marks a bitter conclusion to Neuer’s final tournament with Die Mannschaft. The former world champions failed to advance beyond the first knockout stage, falling short of expectations in what proved to be the veteran shot-stopper’s 128th and final appearance for his country.
Despite the disappointing end, Neuer maintains he has no regrets about his decision to return to the national team setup for one final campaign. In a statement posted on Instagram, the Bayern captain described the elimination as extremely disappointing, acknowledging that the team “clearly fell short of expectations and should have gone further in this tournament.”
“No regrets” over return
Neuer explained that his return was motivated by a desire to guide younger teammates while wearing the national shirt with pride. “I made a very conscious decision to play for Germany again,” he wrote. “On the one hand, because it has always filled me with deep pride to wear the national team jersey. On the other, because at 40 years old and with the experience of four World Cups, I also wanted to support the younger players in the best possible way, both on and off the pitch, and help German football.”
“Despite the bitter ending, I do not regret this decision for a second,” he added, expressing gratitude for the support received throughout his 128-cap career.
Rebuild expected as others consider futures
Neuer’s departure signals the beginning of a significant rebuild for the national team. According to German outlet Sport1, several other experienced players are speculated to have no future with Die Mannschaft, including Antonio Rüdiger, Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sané, Pascal Groß and Oliver Baumann.
Rüdiger, 33, has confirmed he will use the holiday period to reflect on his international future. Meanwhile, Goretzka faces additional uncertainty at club level following the expiration of his Bayern Munich contract.
Neuer will now focus entirely on his duties with Bayern Munich, concluding an international career that spanned four World Cup tournaments.