Manuel Neuer retires from international football

Manuel Neuer, the esteemed goalkeeper for Germany and a champion of the 2014 World Cup, declared his retirement from international football on Wednesday.

At 38 years of age, the Bayern Munich player has represented Germany in 124 matches, serving as captain in 61 of those encounters. His last match was the quarter-final defeat against Spain, the eventual champions, during Euro 2024.

In a statement on social media, Neuer expressed that while he considered extending his career until the 2026 World Cup, he felt "convinced that now is the right time to take this step."

Neuer's performance at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil was exceptional, earning him the title of the tournament's best goalkeeper as Germany secured their fourth championship.

He disclosed that his decision followed discussions with his family and an in-depth conversation with Germany's coach, Julian Nagelsmann, on Wednesday morning.

Neuer intends to "concentrate fully" on his commitments with Bayern Munich, where he has celebrated victories in two Champions League tournaments and 11 Bundesliga titles. The upcoming Champions League final is set to be held at Munich's Allianz Arena.

After suffering a leg injury in a skiing accident in December 2022, Neuer made his return to the national team just prior to Euro 2024, regaining his position as the first-choice goalkeeper.

"It was a remarkable period that has greatly influenced me, and I take immense pride in it," he remarked.

"Winning the World Cup in 2014 and experiencing the unique atmosphere during this year's European Championship on home soil are moments for which I am profoundly thankful.

"It has been a privilege to serve as the captain of our national team until 2023. I cherished every moment in the Germany jersey."

Neuer joins fellow 2014 World Cup champions Thomas Mueller and Toni Kroos, both of whom participated in Euro 2024, in retiring from international duty.

Additionally, current Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan, who was sidelined during the 2014 World Cup due to injury, announced on Monday that he has also played his final match at the international level.

A product of the Schalke academy in his native Gelsenkirchen, Neuer made his international debut in 2009 and holds the record for the most caps by any German goalkeeper.

Germany achieved victory in 81 out of the 124 matches in which Neuer participated, during which he maintained 51 clean sheets.

With Neuer's retirement, the path is now open for Marc Andre ter Stegen of Barcelona, who has served as a long-time backup, to assume the role of Germany's primary goalkeeper, succeeding the Bayern captain.