On Wednesday, August 21, Manuel Neuer, the German goal-keeper, who won the FIFA World Cup in 2014, announced his retirement from international football in an emotional video on Instagram. The 38-year-old had an international career lasting 15 years, wherein he earned 124 caps, including appearances in four European Championships and four World Cups.
Manuel Neuer last played for Germany in the recently concluded UEFA Euro 2024 tournament at home, exiting from the quarter-final stage after losing to the eventual champions Spain 1-2. He is the fourth German player to announce his international retirement this summer after Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, and Ilkay Gundogan.
In his emotional address to the fans on Instagram, Manuel Neuer announced his retirement from international football in German language. He was quoted as saying by ESPN, translated into English, “The day had to come at some point. Today my career with the German national team ends. Everyone who knows me knows that this decision wasn’t easy for me. I made my debut over 15 years ago against the UAE and was so nervous back then.”
Manuel Neuer stated that winning the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil was the highlight of his international career, and said, “We had many ups and downs. The highlight was obviously the world cup win in Brazil. When I look back today, I’m very proud and grateful to have stood with my teammates on the pitch and to have been captain for seven years. To crown my career, I was able to come back from injury and play at a home Euros.”
The official X account of the German football team wrote a statement for Manuel Neuer after his retirement announcement. The excerpts of it read, “For one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, all words seem too small. But they come from the heart: Thank you, Manu!”