Manuel Neuer has decided to stop playing for his country's national team.
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer announced his retirement from the German national team.
The 38-year-old football player announced this decision on his Instagram page.
“Dear fans, dear football Germany, after more than 15 years and 124 international matches, my career with the German national team ends today. Everyone who knows me knows that I did not take this decision lightly. Physically, I feel very good and, of course, I would also be interested in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
When I look back today, I feel proud and grateful. Not least because we were able to fulfill our great dream on 13 July 2014 and become world champions together in Brazil. For a total of 7 years and 61 games, I had the honour of being captain of the German national team until I got injured. An honour that I have cherished every time.
This year's European Championship at home was another highlight, although unfortunately it was not enough for the title. Every second I felt a special euphoria and solidarity throughout the country. Let it remain this way.
A big thank you to all the staff, managers, coaches and teammates who have accompanied me since my debut with the national team on June 2, 2009. And I would especially like to thank you, dear fans, for supporting me over the years. “I loved wearing the national team shirt,” Neuer wrote.
Neuer made his debut for the German national team on June 2, 2009, in a friendly match against the UAE. Manuel played 124 matches for the national team, conceding 118 goals and keeping 51 clean sheets.
During his international career, Neuer has played in four Euros (2012, 2016, 2020, 2024) and four World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022).
Neuer won the 2014 World Cup with the Bundesteam and took bronze at the 2010 World Cup. He is also a two-time semi-finalist at the European Championships (2012, 2016).
It should be noted that Neuer is not the first player who ended his career in the German national team after Euro 2024. Earlier, Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller and Ilkay Gündogan said goodbye to the Bundesteam.
Recall that at the home Euro 2024, the German national team stopped in the quarterfinals. Julian Nagelsmann's team lost to the future champions, the Spaniards, in extra time.