The newly appointed individual is being hailed as a "legend" already - responses to the DFB departure.
A significant chapter in German football's history has concluded. Almost sixteen years since making his debut with the national team, Manuel Neuer, now 38, confirms his retirement from the DFB squad, sharing his sentiments in a solemn address. The protagonist of Germany's goalkeeping position for multiple major tournaments, Neuer reveals that his time with the national team has now reached its end.
After the disheartening outcome of the last European Championship at home, the goalkeeping icon lets go of any prospect of participating in the 2026 World Cup and commits to solely representing FC Bayern in future competitions. It seems that Marc-André ter Stegen has now earned his chance to shine as the German national team's main goalkeeper, following years of anticipation.
Nagelsmann, the national team's coach, reflects on Neuer's departure, expressing admiration for his distinguished contributions while also acknowledging the void his departure will leave in both sports and personal terms. "Manuel Neuer has transformed the position of a goalkeeper like no other in the annals of football history," Nagelsmann said in an official statement.
Resetting aspirations for the 2026 World Cup
Herbert Hainer, FC Bayern Munich's chief executive, is similarly enamored by the retiring football star, recognizing the unique consistency Neuer brought to the German team. "Manuel Neuer is a living legend in German football, a position that has always been graced by exceptional talents," Hainer declared on the FC Bayern website.
Eberl, the sports director of Bayern, shares Hainer's sentiments, noting Neuer's exceptional abilities both on and off the pitch. "He's more than just an exceptional goalkeeper and an esteemed captain. Neuer is a titlist and record-breaker on the pitch and a revered leader that everyone admires. We're both lucky to have a player of his caliber on our team and delighted to be able to continue relying on him," Eberl said.
Stricken by nerves at his DFB debut
On June 2, 2009, Neuer graced the pitch at the DFB stage against the United Arab Emirates (7:2), feeling marked by nerves. His journey to being the German team's primary goalkeeper saw him endure a series of eight prestigious tournaments, culminating in the awe-inspiring triumph of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. In retrospect, he feels proud and indebted to the time he spent with the DFB team, as its captain for a seven-year stretch.
"Despite my excellent physical condition, the 2026 World Cup seemed appealing, but I'm now convinced that it's the right time for me to retire. Anyone familiar with me knows that this decision was not an easy one," Neuer stated publicly.
Though the 1:2 defeat against Spain in the quarter-finals of the European Championship served as the culmination of his competitive performances with the eagle emblem adorning his chest, his final appearance as a member of the German team was far from regrettable.
Neuer's remarkable tenure saw him accrue 124 appearances for the German national team, amounting to 11,100 minutes in action. Beyond the goal line, he left an indelible mark on international goalkeeping with his extraordinary performances, skills, reflexes, and unparalleled class.
After the European Championship, Neuer delayed making his decision regarding his future with the German national team, promptly expressing his intention to mull it over. A flurry of rumors even suggested that Neuer was contemplating a continuation. However, he ultimately drew a clear line in the sand, expressing his gratitude to the fans and teammates who supported him throughout his journey.
His career was on the brink of conclusion more than a year ago, following a severe skiing accident that led to a complex lower-leg fracture during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. "That I managed to return to the pitch for a home European Championship marked a personal achievement for me," Neuer reminisced.
Nagelsmann had previously made it known that he aimed to refresh the German team's roster with an eye on the 2026 World Cup. Following the retirements of key players like Kroos and Müller, Neuer becomes the final Rio World Cup participant to depart the German team. "Manu will be sorely missed in the national team," shared the coach, much like he felt towards the departure of Thomas Müller. With Bayern, Neuer now sets his sights on the most prestigious titles, notably the Champions League final slated for spring 2025.
Gündogan, Neuer's longtime teammate and rival, has similarly decided to end his international career, paving the way for ter Stegen, a 32-year-old Barcelona player, to take the reins as the DFB's next star goalkeeper. Despite hopes of assuming the role during the home European Championship, ter Stegen stepped aside to make way for Neuer's final performances with the DFB jersey.
The departure of Manuel Neuer from the German national team leaves a significant void, a fact acknowledged by Nagelsmann, who praised Neuer's distinguished contributions to the position of a goalkeeper in football history.
In response to Neuer's retirement, FC Bayern Munich's chief executive, Herbert Hainer, expressed his admiration for Neuer, calling him a living legend in German football and a player of exceptional caliber.
