Germany goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, has said he has no regrets about returning from international retirement, despite Germany’s disappointing World Cup campaign ending with an early exit.
The veteran shot-stopper has officially retired from international football for a second and final time after Germany were knocked out in the round of 32 by Paraguay following a penalty shootout defeat.
Neuer had originally stepped away from the national team after Euro 2024 but reversed his decision to feature at the World Cup in North America after Marc-Andre ter Stegen was sidelined by injury.
Although the comeback ended in disappointment, the Bayern Munich captain believes returning to represent his country was the right choice.
Announcing his retirement on social media, the 40-year-old admitted Germany failed to live up to expectations, extending the nation’s difficult run at recent World Cups following group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022.
Neuer wrote on Instagram, “It has always been an honour! The early exit from the World Cup is extremely disappointing. We clearly fell short of expectations and should have progressed further in this tournament. This ending is very painful. I made a conscious decision to play for Germany one more time. Firstly, because wearing the national team jersey has always filled me with deep pride.”
The experienced goalkeeper explained that his return was motivated not only by the chance to represent Germany again but also by his desire to guide the younger members of the squad.
Having featured in four previous World Cups, Neuer believed his experience could benefit the next generation both on and off the pitch.
His final tournament, however, proved challenging.
Germany failed to record a clean sheet, with Neuer conceding in victories over Curaçao and Ivory Coast, making a costly error in the defeat to Ecuador, and conceding again in the draw with Paraguay before the team’s elimination in the ensuing shootout.
Reflecting on his decision, Neuer said, “Secondly, because at 40 years old and with the experience of four World Cup tournaments, I wanted to support the young players both on and off the pitch in the best way possible and help German football. Despite the bitter end, I don’t regret this decision for a second. My disappointment is indescribable, yet I feel immense gratitude. Thank you for your support over all these years and during this tournament.”
Neuer’s departure closes a remarkable chapter in Germany’s football history. One of the last remaining members of the country’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad, he retires with 128 international appearances and 23 World Cup matches since making his tournament debut in 2010.
During his World Cup career, Neuer conceded 21 goals and kept seven clean sheets, cementing his status as one of Germany’s greatest goalkeepers.
