Germany veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer says he will return to international retirement after the end of the World Cup, having come back to the squad specifically for the tournament.
Neuer, aged 40, is a 2014 World Cup winner and will be appearing in his fifth consecutive World Cup as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper. He had stepped away from the national team after Germany were eliminated in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on home soil.
The shot at a surprise return came after a strong run in the second half of the season for Bayern Munich, prompting coach Julian Nagelsmann to include him in the tournament squad.
Quick facts
- Manuel Neuer says he will go back into international retirement after the World Cup.
- Neuer is 40 and is playing his fifth straight World Cup for Germany as starting goalkeeper.
- He retired after Germany’s Euro 2024 quarter-final exit in front of home fans.
- He was recalled by coach Julian Nagelsmann following a strong second half of the season with Bayern Munich.
- Neuer made his latest Germany appearance after a two-year absence in a 7-1 Group E win over Curacao.
- Germany face Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday; a win could send them to the knockout stage with a game remaining.
- Germany were eliminated in the first round of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
- A second World Cup title would be a rare double for Neuer, but he says he is mainly focused on being part of the tournament.
Speaking at a press conference, Neuer explained that his decision to step back into the set-up in 2024 followed a positive experience at the European Championship. He said it felt like the right call, but also that continuing for two more years would have been too heavy a sporting burden.
“For me it is clear that this is my last tournament,” Neuer said. “I do not plan to be there in two years’ time for the next Euro.” He added that in recent days he has come to terms with the fact these will be Germany’s final matches for him, while insisting he wants to focus on the games ahead rather than farewell moments.
Return to the squad
Neuer’s recall came ahead of Oliver Baumann, who had been listed as the tournament’s first choice before Neuer returned. Neuer’s first appearance for his country in two years arrived in Germany’s 7-1 opening Group E victory over Curacao.
Neuer said the goal is to work smoothly within the group, adding that the keepers train together and discuss matters as a unit once the squad comes together. He described his return as something the team spoke through, including how the decision was made.
With the tournament continuing, Neuer will again be between the posts on Saturday for Germany’s Group-stage contest against Cote d’Ivoire. He noted that winning would put Germany through to the knockout round with one match to spare.
Germany’s recent World Cup record has been harsh, with first-round exits in 2018 and 2022. Neuer said the team’s focus is firmly on the next step, rather than looking back at past campaigns.
“This is our goal. We have everything in our own hands,” Neuer said. “We don’t want to look back at past World Cups.” He added that the squad is not dwelling on earlier exits and is instead concentrating on what comes next—starting with Ivory Coast.
He also suggested that securing qualification after the second match would be especially meaningful, giving Germany the chance to plan further ahead.
Another title, another milestone
A World Cup triumph would make Neuer the only Germany player to win the trophy twice. Still, he stressed that the bigger satisfaction at his age is simply being back in a World Cup setting again.
“It is an absolute present to be here again,” Neuer said. “It would be very special to do it a second time, but if I did not see the chance that we could do it, I would not be sitting here.”
