At 40, Manuel Neuer announced his retirement from the German national team, bringing to a close a 15‑year international career that began in 2009 and was marked by a disappointing World Cup exit.
A Career Defined by Milestones
Neuer was the sole survivor of Germany's 2014 World Cup‑winning side, a tournament in which he cemented his reputation as a world‑class shot‑stopper and contributed to a historic championship.
His debut came in 2009, and over the next decade he amassed a record number of appearances, establishing himself as one of the most consistent goalkeepers of his generation.
Individual honors followed, including two German Footballer of the Year awards and a third‑place finish in the 2014 Ballon d'Or, underscoring his impact beyond the pitch.
A much‑anticipated return for Euro 2024 generated controversy; after a defeat to Spain in the group stage and a subsequent Round of 32 loss, the experience left many questioning his place in the side.
Despite the mixed final chapter, Neuer remains fifth on Germany's all‑time appearance list, trailing only Lothar Matthäus, Miroslav Klose, Thomas Müller and Lukas Podolski.
He also continues to wear the Bayern Munich jersey, with one season remaining on his contract, leaving open the possibility of club‑level contributions while his international chapter ends.
Neuer's legacy will be measured not only by medals but by the standard he set for future German keepers, a benchmark that will endure long after his final international appearance.