Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who won the 2014 World Cup, announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday at the age of 38.
Neuer, a Bayern Munich veteran, has played 124 matches for Germany, captaining the team 61 times. His final outing at Euro 2024 came in the quarterfinals against eventual champions Spain.
Neuer stated on social media that, while he was tempted to play until the 2026 World Cup, he was “convinced that now is the right time to take this step”.
He starred at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, being named the tournament’s best goalkeeper as Germany won the trophy for the fourth time.
Neuer, known as the archetypal’sweeper-keeper’ of the modern era, revolutionized the position by frequently traveling far beyond his penalty box to snuff out attacks while boasting footwork talents normally reserved for outfield players.
Neuer disclosed that he made the announcement after consulting with his family and a thorough talk with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Wednesday morning.
He stated that he intends to “concentrate fully” on playing for Bayern, with whom he has won two Champions Leagues and eleven Bundesliga crowns.
This season’s Champions League final will be held at Munich’s Allianz Arena.
Neuer fractured his leg in a skiing accident in December 2022 and returned to the Germany squad just before Euro 2024 on home soil, restoring his place as first choice.
He was chastised before Euro 2024 for a string of errors at club and international level, but he performed admirably at the competition.
“It was a great time which shaped me and of which I am very proud,” he said.
“Winning the World Cup title in 2014 and the special atmosphere during the European Championship at home this year are highlights for which I am extremely grateful.
“It was an honour for me to be captain of our national team until 2023. I loved wearing the Germany jersey.”
From 2010 to 2016, Neuer and Germany advanced to the last four of each major tournament.
Following humiliating group-stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, as well as a last-16 loss to England at Euro 2020, Germany won their first knockout match in eight years at Euro 2024.
Neuer joins fellow 2014 World Cup winners Thomas Mueller and Toni Kroos in retiring from international football, having both played at Euro 2024.
On Monday, current Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan, who missed the 2014 World Cup due to injury, stated that he had played his last international game.
Neuer, who attended the Schalke academy in his hometown of Gelsenkirchen, made his international debut in 2009 and now has more caps than any other German goalkeeper.
Germany won 81 of Neuer’s 124 matches, and he maintained 51 clean sheets.
The retirement opens the way for long-time backup Marc-Andre ter Stegen of Barcelona, who is poised to replace the Bayern captain as Germany’s number one.