Manuel Neuer has confirmed his retirement from international football after Germany were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by Paraguay on penalties.

What happened?

The 40-year-old goalkeeper announced his decision after the match, stating it was his final appearance for the national team.

Why it matters for Manuel Neuer

Neuer had initially retired from international duty after Germany's quarter-final defeat to Spain at UEFA Euro 2024 but reversed his decision to play in the 2026 World Cup.

Germany's campaign ended with a 1-1 draw against Paraguay, followed by a 4-3 defeat in the penalty shootout.

What comes next?

Neuer saved Fabian Balbuena's spot-kick but could not prevent Germany from crashing out of the tournament.

He featured in all four of Germany's matches at the World Cup, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation.

Neuer represented Germany at five FIFA World Cups between 2010 and 2026, with his greatest international achievement being the 2014 World Cup win against Argentina.

He kept a clean sheet in the 2014 final and won the tournament's Golden Glove award as the competition's best goalkeeper.

Neuer's retirement marks the end of an era for German football, with the goalkeeper widely regarded as one of the country's all-time greats.

He will be remembered for his exceptional goalkeeping skills and his dedication to the national team.

The German football community will miss Neuer's presence on the pitch, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of goalkeepers.

Neuer's decision to retire was likely influenced by Germany's disappointing performance at the World Cup.

The team's elimination in the Round of 32 was a shock to many, given their strong squad and experienced players.

Despite the setback, Neuer remains a beloved figure in German football, and his retirement will be felt by fans and players alike.

As Neuer hangs up his boots, he can look back on a storied career with pride, knowing he gave his all to the national team.

His contributions to German football will never be forgotten, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the country's history.

Neuer's retirement is a significant loss for the German national team, but it also presents an opportunity for younger goalkeepers to step up and make their mark.

The future of German football is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Manuel Neuer will always be a legend of the sport.

He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of footballers.

Neuer's impact on German football extends beyond his playing career, as he has inspired countless young goalkeepers with his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport.

As the football world bids farewell to Neuer's international career, it is clear that his influence will be felt for years to come.

The German national team will have to adapt to life without Neuer, but they can take comfort in the knowledge that they have a talented squad and a bright future ahead.

Neuer's retirement is a reminder that all good things must come to an end, but his legacy will live on forever.

He will always be remembered as a true great of the sport, and his contributions to German football will never be forgotten.

The football world will miss Manuel Neuer, but his impact on the sport will continue to be felt for generations to come.