Manuel Neuer retires from international football after Germany's World Cup exit on penalties

Manuel Neuer has retired from international football for the second and final time after Germany were knocked out of the World Cup in the last 32, losing on penalties following a goalless draw with Paraguay that stretched to 120 minutes.

Speaking to broadcaster Sportschau in the immediate aftermath of the defeat, the 40-year-old confirmed he would no longer be available for national team selection. He later reinforced the decision when asked directly by Magenta TV, answering simply “no” when questioned about continuing and adding: “It’s very bitter to end it like this.”

Neuer had already retired from international football once before, stepping away after Germany’s exit to Spain at Euro 2024 on home soil. Despite denials from both Neuer and head coach Julian Nagelsmann, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper reversed that decision to appear at a fifth World Cup, displacing Oliver Baumann — who had taken over the gloves in the intervening two years — back to the bench. The recall proved deeply unpopular in Germany, and the shock elimination to Paraguay has cast a shadow over Nagelsmann’s future, despite the 38-year-old having signed a contract extension ahead of the tournament.

Neuer made his senior Germany debut in 2009 and took over from Jens Lehmann as the established number one in time for the 2010 World Cup. He was the last remaining member of the squad that lifted the trophy in Brazil in 2014 — the most recent occasion Germany won a knockout match at the tournament. He departs as the country’s fifth-highest appearance-maker, behind Lothar Matthaus, Miroslav Klose, Thomas Muller and Lukas Podolski.

Over a 16-year international career, Neuer accumulated a World Cup winner’s medal, two German Footballer of the Year awards, and a third-place finish in the 2014 Ballon d’Or vote. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential goalkeepers in the history of the game, credited with popularising the sweeper-keeper role at the highest level.

At club level, Neuer has one season remaining on his contract with Bayern Munich.