Germany Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer Retires From International Football

Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has announced his retirement from international football.

Neuer made his international debut in 2009 and participated in eight major tournaments.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is the frontrunner to become the new first-choice goalkeeper for Die Mannschaft.

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Over 15 years, Neuer earned 124 caps for Germany, with his final appearance coming during a Euro 2024 quarter-final defeat to eventual champions Spain on home soil.

The 38-year-old’s retirement comes just two days after Ilkay Gundogan also announced his departure from international football. Thomas Müller and Toni Kroos, who both retired after Germany’s home Euros, are also no longer available to head coach Julian Nagelsmann.

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Manuel Neuer played a crucial role in Germany’s 2014 FIFA World Cup victory, their first since West Germany’s 1990 triumph. He featured in four World Cups and four European Championships.

“The day had to come at some point. Today my career with the German national team ends,” Neuer said in a video on his Instagram. “Everyone who knows me knows that this decision wasn’t easy for me. I made my debut over 15 years ago against the UAE and was so nervous back then.

“We had many ups and downs. The highlight was obviously the World Cup win in Brazil. When I look back today, I’m very proud and grateful to have stood with my teammates on the pitch and to have been captain for seven years. To crown my career, I was able to come back from injury and play at a home Euros.”

“Anyone who knows me knows that I didn’t make this decision lightly. After many intense and long discussions with my family and friends, I have decided that right now is the right time to close my chapter.