German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has announced his retirement from the national team.
Neuer played 124 times for his country and was a key figure in the national team’s success at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The FC Bayern Munich goalkeeper was also captain of the German national team 61 times, but stressed that now is the right time to concentrate on club football.
“After long and intensive discussions with my family and friends, I have decided to end my career in the national team,” said Neuer.
“Everyone who knows me knows that this decision was not easy for me. Physically, I am doing very well and of course I would have been very interested in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.”
“At the same time, I am convinced that now is exactly the right time to take this step and to concentrate fully on FC Bayern Munich in the future.
“I would like to thank everyone I have come to know and appreciate over the past 15 years – my coaches Joachim Löw, Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann, the goalkeeping coaches Andreas Köpke and Andreas Kronenberg, the assistant coaches, my teammates, the medical department, all the employees of the DFB.
“A very special thank you also goes to the fans of the national team who have always supported me over the years!
“It was a great time that shaped me and of which I am very proud. Winning the 2014 World Cup and the special atmosphere at this year’s home European Championships are highlights for which I am extremely grateful.”
“It was an honour for me to be captain of our national team until 2023. I really enjoyed wearing the jersey of the German national team.”
Neuer made his international debut under Löw in 2009 and broke numerous records over the years. However, he is the fourth German player to end his career since the 2024 European Championship, following Ilkay Gündogan, Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller, who also retired from the national team.
Nagelsmann added: “Even though I can understand Manu’s decision and his motives, his departure is a great loss – both in sporting and human terms.
“Manu shaped goalkeeping like no other in the history of football. With his saves, his opening play and his charisma, he was more than just a mainstay of the national team for almost a decade and a half.”
“His skills were crucial to the idea of how we want to play football. Manu was and is a great athlete and a great, good guy.”
“I often and happily sought out conversations with him and am pleased that I can continue to do so in the future. We will miss Manu in the national team!”
