Manuel Neuer retires from Germany after World Cup exit

Germany’s veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer announced his definitive retirement from the national team following the country’s round‑of‑32 defeat to Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Neuer, 40, confirmed via Instagram that the loss – a 1‑1 draw decided by a 3‑4 penalty shoot‑out – “hurts very much” and marked a painful end to a 128‑cap career that included four World Cups and a 2014 title. He had come out of an earlier retirement at the request of coach Julian Nagelsmann for the tournament, playing four matches before the knockout stage. In his farewell message he expressed deep disappointment, “indescribable” sadness, but also gratitude to fans and teammates. The exit also put the future of the German coaching staff under scrutiny, as the DFB evaluates the next steps for both the goalkeeper position and the national squad.

Neuer’s departure closes a generation for Germany, ending an era in which he was considered a pivotal figure in modern goalkeeping, while the team now looks to rebuild ahead of upcoming international cycles.