In a heartfelt announcement on Wednesday, German football legend Manuel Neuer revealed his decision to retire from international football. The 38-year-old goalkeeper, widely regarded as one of the best in the history of the sport, shared the news via a video posted on Instagram, marking the end of an era for German football.
“Everyone who knows me is aware this was not an easy decision,” Neuer expressed in his video message. “We have had lots of highs and lows together, with the victory in the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina at the Maracana obviously my best moment in a Germany shirt.”
Neuer’s announcement comes after an extraordinary international career spanning over 15 years. He made his debut for the German national team in June 2009 during a friendly match, and since then, he has become a cornerstone of the team’s success. Over the years, Neuer earned 124 caps and kept an impressive 51 clean sheets, solidifying his reputation as a commanding and reliable presence between the posts.
His career highlights include representing Germany in four FIFA World Cups and four UEFA European Championships between 2010 and 2024. Neuer played a crucial role in Germany’s third-place finish at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, but his crowning achievement came four years later in Brazil. In 2014, Neuer was instrumental in Germany’s triumphant World Cup campaign, culminating in a historic 1-0 victory against Argentina in the final at the Maracanã Stadium. His performances throughout the tournament earned him the Golden Glove award, recognizing him as the best goalkeeper of the competition.
Neuer’s leadership on and off the field was equally significant. He captained the German national team for six years, a role he embraced with dedication and passion. His tenure as captain saw Germany reach the semifinals of the UEFA European Championship twice, in 2012 and 2016, further solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the team’s success.
“As I reflect on my international career, I am proud and grateful to have been able to share the pitch with my teammates and also wear the captain’s armband for six years,” Neuer said. “To recover from a serious injury and play for Germany at a home Euros was the crowning glory. I would like to thank the DFB, staff, teammates, and fans for their support through the good times and the bad.”
Neuer’s decision to retire from international duty follows the recent retirement of his teammate, midfielder Ilkay Gündogan, who also announced his departure from the national team earlier this week. The two retirements signal a period of transition for the German squad as it prepares for future challenges without some of its most experienced leaders.
With his international career now behind him, Neuer is set to focus fully on his club career with Bayern Munich, where he remains a pivotal figure. The Bayern Munich shot-stopper has enjoyed immense success at the club level, winning numerous Bundesliga titles, DFB-Pokals, and UEFA Champions League trophies. As Neuer looks ahead to the next chapter of his career, his impact on German football, both domestically and internationally, will be remembered for generations to come.
Manuel Neuer’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable era for German football, as fans around the world pay tribute to a goalkeeper whose brilliance and dedication will be celebrated for years to come.
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