Manuel Neuer, the goalkeeper for the German national team and Bayern Munich, has announced his retirement from international football after a 15-year career.
Neuer had left the door open regarding his international future after Euro 2024, but has now decided to focus on his career with Bayern.
Neuer is the last remaining player from Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad to retire from international football.
Neuer said in a statement on Instagram, “This was not an easy decision. I feel physically very good, and I was looking forward to participating in the 2026 World Cup. But I am convinced that now is the right time to take this step and focus on Bayern Munich.”
He added, “It has been a fantastic time, I am proud of everything I have achieved with the national team, especially winning the World Cup in 2014. It has been a great honor to be captain of the German national team for all these years.”
The 38-year-old has played 124 matches for Germany in all competitions, and his retirement finally paves the way for Marc-André ter Stegen to become the first-choice goalkeeper for the Mannschaft and have a chance to participate in any major tournament after being a benchwarmer for years in the Euros and World Cups.
