FIFA World Cup 2026 — Neuer retires again after Germany exit

German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has retired from international football for a second time after making an early exit from the World Cup.

The 40-year-old Neuer, who was brought out of retirement just before the tournament, said in TV interviews that Monday’s surprising defeat against Paraguay would be his last international match.

“Yes,” he said to the broadcaster Sports show when asked if that was it as he told it Magenta television he didn’t want to continue playing. «No. It is very bitter to end it like this.»

Germany were eliminated when they lost 4-3 to Paraguay on penalties after the teams had drawn 1-1 in extra time.

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Neuer had already retired from international football after the 2024 European Championship and had insisted he would not return.

Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann took over as Germany’s No. 1 following injuries to Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and played in the team’s last six qualifying matches, as well as pre-tournament friendlies.

Despite denials from the player and German coach Julian Nagelsmann, speculation about Neuer’s possible return continued until Nagelsmann confirmed it by including the Bayern Munich goalkeeper in his World Cup squad as Germany’s No. 1, resulting in Baumann being demoted.

The move yielded no results. Neuer saved a penalty in the shootout against Paraguay, but it was not enough as three German players missed their penalties.

Neuer, who made his Germany debut in 2009, was the only remaining member of the 2014 World Cup-winning squad. He made 128 appearances for Germany.

Published on June 30, 2026