Frankfurt (Germany), 1 July (LaPresse) – Germany’s national team goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, has announced his retirement from international football following the team’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup, describing the team’s exit as “extremely disappointing” but reiterating that “it has always been an honour”. “We clearly fell short of expectations and should have gone much further in the tournament. This outcome hurts a great deal,” Neuer wrote in a message posted on Instagram. The Germany goalkeeper recalled that he had made a conscious decision to pull on the national team shirt one last time. “Wearing the Germany shirt has always filled me with deep pride. At 40 years of age and with the experience of four World Cups under my belt, I wanted to help the younger players, both on and off the pitch, and make my contribution to German football.” Despite his disappointment at the result, Neuer insisted he “does not regret the decision for a single second”. “My disappointment is indescribable, but I remain deeply grateful,” concluded the goalkeeper, thanking the fans “for the support I’ve received over all these years and throughout this tournament”.
2026 World Cup: Neuer bids farewell to Germany: ‘A huge disappointment, but it’s been an honour’
Frankfurt (Germany), 1 July (LaPresse) – Germany’s national team goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, has announced his retirement from international football following the team’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup, describing the team’s exit as “extremely disappointing” but reiterating that “it has always been an honour”. “We clearly fell short of expectations and should have gone much further in the tournament. This outcome hurts a great deal,” Neuer wrote in a message posted on Instagram. The Germany goalkeeper recalled that he had made a conscious decision to pull on the national team shirt one last time. “Wearing the Germany shirt has always filled me with deep pride. At 40 years of age and with the experience of four World Cups under my belt, I wanted to help the younger players, both on and off the pitch, and make my contribution to German football.” Despite his disappointment at the result, Neuer insisted he “does not regret the decision for a single second”. “My disappointment is indescribable, but I remain deeply grateful,” concluded the goalkeeper, thanking the fans “for the support I’ve received over all these years and throughout this tournament”.
