A Bitter Farewell
At 40, Manuel Neuer announced the end of his international career for the second time, a move that follows Germany's early exit from the World Cup.
The German side fell to Paraguay in a dramatic penalty shootout, losing 4‑3 after a 0‑0 draw, with Neuer having saved one spot‑kick but unable to prevent the eventual misses by Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah.
Neuer, who had been recalled specifically for the tournament after initially announcing his retirement following Euro 2024, described the defeat as a source of bitterness, reflecting on the narrow margin that decided the match.
His international résumé reads 128 caps and a World Cup triumph in 2014, making him the sole remaining member of that victorious squad still active on the world stage.
While the national team chapter closes, the veteran will continue to guard the Bayern Munich goal, a club where he has amassed 13 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League crowns since joining in 2011.
The retirement announcement also brought tributes to teammates such as Julio Enciso, Fabian Balbuena and Oliver Baumann, as well as to coaching staff like Julian Nagelsmann, who praised Neuer's leadership throughout the campaign.