Top-tier goalkeeper Neuer calls it quits in the national squad.
The champion from the last World Cup hangs up his international boots - Manuel Neuer bids adieu to the German national football team after 15 years as their primary goalkeeper, having played in 124 matches. This significant shift in German goalkeeping, which came ten years after their 2014 World Cup triumph, was announced by the 38-year-old with a note of sadness but resolve on a Wednesday.
"Following extensive deliberations with my family and friends, I've chosen to conclude my tenure in the national team," Neuer shared. For anyone close to him, this decision was not an easy one: "I'm in peak physical condition, and I would have been drawn to the 2026 World Cup. Nevertheless, I believe that this is the ideal moment to take this leap of faith and dedicate myself entirely to Bayern Munich moving forward." He informed coach Julian Nagelsmann with a mix of trust and respect during their conversation.
In March 1991, a five-year-old Manuel Neuer, whose future as a legendary goalkeeper was not yet evident, attended Schalke 04 training. Born in Gelsenkirchen-Buer to a police officer, Neuer's sporting journey started to take shape in 2000 when he joined the football elite school Berger Feld, located just a stone's throw away from the Schalke Arena.
As an up-and-coming talent, he played for the second team, and in the 2005/06 season, he became the third goalkeeper for FC Schalke. His career took off with his first Bundesliga appearance on August 19, 2006, against Alemannia Aachen, replacing an injured Frank Rost, earning him the starting goalkeeper spot.
He swiftly exhibitionized exceptional performances in the Champions League and for the team in the national team from 2009. Notably, he played at the 2010 World Cup after Rene Adler's injury, becoming a standout in the air, a game-changer on the line, and a master with his feet.
In 2011, he joined Bayern Munich, incurring the anger of both Schalke and Munich fans. Schalke fans dubbed him a traitor, while Munich fans opposed him with signs reading "No Neuer." However, their disdain soon turned into admiration after witnessing his sensational saves. Neuer revolutionized goalkeeping, leading it into the modern era, with his finest moment being the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
His performance there was revolutionary. Yes, he continued to guard the goal, but he also anticipated, initiated, and thwarted dangerous situations with bold midfield rushes. It's unquestionable that no goalkeeper ever performed at a World Cup as effectively as Neuer - "a memory that will live with us forever," as he himself put it.
What a journey. What might have transpired if Neuer had not been hampered by injuries? Among his setbacks were metatarsal fractures and a severe skiing accident in 2022, which kept him sidelined for almost a year. "I wasn't merely relaxing in a cabin sipping apricot brandy and skiing down slopes," he later reflected. "That was training - recovery for both body and mind. I've traversed that route countless times." On that fateful occasion, he fell and shattered his lower leg.
Even for this reason, the question arose as to what a top athlete would still subject their battered body to. Neuer has given his answer - it's time to call it a day. His departure from the Euros in the quarter-finals against Spain on July 5th will mark his final tournament appearance, and he is certain to receive a heartfelt farewell from the DFB. His contract with Bayern Munich extends until 2025.
For the national team, his departure signifies a turning point. Now, Neuer's reliable deputy Marc-Andre ter Stegen will finally seize his opportunity, luckily having served as Barcelona's starting goalkeeper for ten years without establishing a permanent position as Germany's undisputed number one. "He's another world-class goalkeeper awaiting his chance," stated DFB sporting director Rudi Völler, "we hold no reservations about it."
In light of his commitment to Bayern Munich, Manuel Neuer announced his decision to retire from the German national team, expressing his intention to focus on his club duties with a note of sadness but resolve. This new chapter in German goalkeeping, initiated by Neuer's departure, presents an opportunity for his reliable deputy Marc-Andre ter Stegen to take the helm.
Reflecting on his professional journey, Neuer acknowledged his numerous injuries, including a metatarsal fracture and a severe skiing accident in 2022, which ultimately influenced his decision to retire from international football.
