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Manuel Neuer Announces His Retirement From the German National Team With an Emotional Message at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
After 16 years and 128 matches, the 2014 World Cup champion goalkeeper announced his definitive retirement from the German national team with words of gratitude and sorrow.
Neuer bids farewell after the elimination
Manuel Neuer, the undisputed symbol of German soccer, announced his final farewell to the national team this Wednesday with a message full of emotion and sincerity. After 16 years defending the Mannschaft's goal, the 40-year-old goalkeeper chose his social media platforms to bring an end to a chapter that marked the recent history of world soccer.
Germany's elimination by Paraguay at the World Cup precipitated an outcome that the player himself described as "extremely disappointing." “We have clearly fallen short of expectations and should have gone further in this tournament. This outcome hurts a lot," he wrote on Instagram, reflecting the frustration of a squad that failed to meet expectations.
Proud to represent the Teutons
Neuer, world champion in 2014 and the absolute benchmark in goalkeeping, recalled that his return to the national team in 2024 had been a conscious decision. “Wearing the national team jersey has always filled me with deep pride,” he said, emphasizing that his experience in four World Cups motivated him to support the younger players, both on and off the field.
The goalkeeper, who will continue his career at Bayern Munich until 2027, made it clear that he has no regrets about returning to represent Germany: “Despite this bitter ending, I don't regret taking this step for a second."
Last message
In his final message, Neuer combined disappointment and gratitude: "My disappointment is indescribable, but I still feel immense gratitude. Thank you for your support throughout all these years and during this tournament." With those words, the goalkeeper closed a chapter that establishes him as one of the great leaders in the history of German football.

























