Germany’s Manuel Neuer Retires Again After Return For FIFA World Cup 2026

Foxborough: Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has retired from international football for the second time following the team’s early exit from the World Cup.

Neuer, 40, whose retirement was canceled just before the tournament, said in TV interviews: TuesdayThe surprise defeat to Paraguay would be his last international match.

When asked by the broadcaster Sportschau if this was it, he said: “Yes” and said that he will not play on Magenta TV. “No. It’s sad to end it this way.”

After drawing 1-1 in extra time, Germany was eliminated by Paraguay, losing 4-3 on penalties.

Neuer retired from international football after the 2024 European Championship and insisted he would not return.

Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann replaced Germany’s number 1 after Barcelona’s goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was injured and played in the team’s last six qualifying matches and pre-tournament friendlies.

Despite denials from the player and Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, speculation about Neuer’s potential return continued until Nagelsmann confirmed the Bayern Munich goalkeeper by including him in his World Cup squad as Germany’s No.1, overtaking Baumann.

The move didn’t work. Neuer saved a penalty against Paraguay but it was not enough as three German players missed penalties.

Neuer, who made his Germany debut in 2009, was the only surviving member of the squad that won the 2014 World Cup. He played 128 matches for Germany.