German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer set to retire after World Cup 2026

Manuel Neuer, the 40‑year‑old goalkeeper for Germany and Bayern Munich, announced that the 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament and that he will not seek a place at Euro 2028.

He now holds several records: the oldest German to appear in a major competition (40 years, 79 days), the most‑capped German goalkeeper with 124 appearances, and the most‑capped goalkeeper in World Cup history, surpassing Hugo Lloris. Neuer was part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph and has won multiple Bundesliga titles, German Cups and two Champions League trophies (2013, 2020) with Bayern.

Since moving to Bayern from Schalke in 2011, Neuer popularised the “sweeper‑keeper” style, earned several Golden Glove awards and was repeatedly voted the world’s best goalkeeper. His retirement will close a career widely regarded as one of the greatest for a goalkeeper.