Legendary keeper Manuel Neuer bids farewell

The end of an era has come in world football. After Germany's exit from the 2026 World Cup, legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has announced the end of his national team career. A long and glorious international journey has thus closed.

Germany's run ended in the last 16. In the match against Paraguay, Manuel Neuer produced a top-level performance from start to finish, keeping his team alive by saving several certain goals in both regulation and extra time. But Germany, four-time world champions, were eliminated after losing 4-3 in the penalty shootout. After the match, the 40-year-old goalkeeper bid an emotional farewell to the national team.

Manuel Neuer was one of the chief architects of Germany's successes over the years; he played a critical role in the 2014 World Cup triumph in particular. With his exceptional saves, leadership and active presence across every part of the pitch, he fundamentally changed the modern understanding of goalkeeping and redefined the position.

Having worn the Germany shirt 124 times in total, Neuer also earned the title of the oldest player ever to represent his country at a major tournament with his fifth World Cup appearance, surpassing the record previously held by Lothar Matthäus. After stepping away from the national team following Euro 2024, the experienced goalkeeper had returned for this tournament held in the host region, aiming to cap his career at the highest level. Now a legend is closing the national team chapter. The legacy Neuer leaves behind will remain a reference for the next generation of goalkeepers for a long time.

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