- The DFB-associated goalkeeper Neuer calls it quits on his professional career; henceforth, he won't participate in the World Cup 2026.
Germany's top-notch goalkeeper Manuel Neuer calls it a day in the national football team after a stellar run of eight major tournaments as the main man. The 38-year-old, who lifted the World Cup in 2014, hung up his gloves after a tough Euro quarter-final elimination by Spain at home. From now on, Neuer will only focus on his stint with Bayern Munich.
Neuer revealed his decision on Instagram, around seven weeks post Germany's bitter loss against Spain, the eventual champions. "The time had to come eventually. Today marks the end of my journey with the German national football team. Anyone who knows me knows that this decision wasn't a simple one for me," he stated.
Initially, there were speculations that Neuer might continue in the DFB side. However, he has now chosen to retire.
No more dream of WM 2026
Neuer has boasted an impressive record of 124 appearances for Germany. Over a decade, he has redefined international goalkeeping with his exceptional performances and unique talents. After Germany's 1:2 defeat against Spain in extra time on July 5, in Stuttgart, Neuer had left his future with the DFB side open. "I said I would reflect upon it after the tournament," the seasoned captain declared instantly following the Euro exit.
The upcoming World Cup in 2026, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, is no longer a goal for Neuer. He aimed to end his illustrious career as a goalkeeper by clinching the European Championship title in his homeland in the summer.
Is it ter Stegen's turn to shine as the tournament goalkeeper?
For Neuer, it was a success to return to the DFB goal after his severe ski accident, resulting in a lower leg fracture, post the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Coach Julian Nagelsmann reinstated the multiple World's Best Goalkeeper as the main man for the home Euro. Neuer's pinnacle moment in the DFB team came during the World Cup triumph in 2014 in Brazil.
Nagelsmann had already expressed his plan during the home Euro to revamp the DFB team for the 2026 World Cup. Neuer becomes the final Rio World Cup winner to depart from the DFB team after Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller.
Kroos, 34, has called it a day altogether, while Müller, 32, announced his retirement from the DFB team but continues to play for Bayern Munich, like Neuer.
Ilkay Gündogan, DFB's captain, also recently bid farewell to the international stage. Marc-André ter Stegen (32), Neuer's long-time selection teammate and rival from Barcelona, is now considered the top contender for Neuer's number one spot in the national team's goal.
Despite Neuer's decision to retire from the German national team, his legacy as a top-tier goalkeeper is undeniable, having played a significant role in FC Bayern Munich's victories as well. With Neuer's retirement, Marc-André ter Stegen, his long-time rival and teammate, is now poised to take over as Germany's number one goalkeeper.
