- Manuel Neuer retires from the German national team at 38, ending a 15-year international career
- He made his international debut in 2009 and earned 124 caps for Germany
- Neuer's retirement follows similar announcements from Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller, and Ilkay Gündogan
The football world has been dealt a blow as Manuel Neuer, at 38, announced his retirement from the German national team. After 15 years of outstanding service, the legendary goalkeeper leaves behind a legacy that not only includes masterful goalkeeping but also a redefinition of the role itself.
Neuer was never just a goalkeeper; he was a game-changer, an innovator who revolutionised the position, redefining the "goalkeeper-libero" or what many now refer to as the “sweeper keeper” concept in modern football.
Throughout his career, Neuer was known for his extraordinary ability to defend the goal while also acting as an integral part of the team's offensive plays.
His fearless game style, best exemplified during the 2014 World Cup match against Algeria, set him apart as more than just a mere last line of defence.
He was a maestro at the back, constructing plays and anticipating movements, effectively becoming a third defender when needed. This boldness, this evolution of the goalkeeper's role, is unlikely to be replicated in the same way.
"Everyone who knows me knows that it wasn't an easy decision," Neuer said, reflecting on his retirement.
His career, highlighted by the 2014 World Cup victory in Brazil, was marked by both triumphs and challenges. "The day had to come at some point. Today, my career with the German national team ends," Neuer said in an Instagram video, recounting his 15-year journey with Die Mannschaft.
In a heartfelt statement, the German national team expressed their gratitude”
"For one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, all words seem too small. But they come from the heart: Thank you, Manu!"
Neuer's retirement follows that of Toni Kroos (114 caps), Thomas Müller (131 caps), and Ilkay Gündogan (82 caps), marking the end of an era for the “Nationalelf.”
Indeed, the temptation to push forward until the 2026 World Cup was real, but at 38, his body probably had the final say.
After 124 appearances for Germany, Neuer made the mature decision to focus on Bayern Munich, where he remains a cornerstone. Neuer made his international debut in 2009 and went on to feature in four World Cups and four European Championships.
As Bayern Munich prepares to kick off their league campaign against Wolfsburg on Sunday, August 25, they do so with Neuer still in their ranks, but his absence from the international stage will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
8 interesting facts you probably have not heard about İlkay Gündoğan
Previously, TheRadar reported that İlkay Gündoğan, one of the most accomplished midfielders of the past decade, has announced his retirement from international football.
The German star made his senior team debut in October 2011, coming on as a late substitute in a UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier against Belgium. Wearing the iconic number 8 jersey for the German national team, İlkay Gündoğan has made his mark on football history.
