Bayern Munich legend Manuel Neuer retires from international football
By Tom Vinall
In breaking news, this afternoon Manuel Neuer officially announced on his Instagram account that he will be hanging up his national team gloves with immediate effect.
He becomes the second Bayern Munich and Germany legend to retire from international football this summer, with long-time team-mate Thomas Müller also confirming he will not be continuing with the national team back in July.
Neuer retires from Germany duty with 124 caps over a 15-year period. He represented the national team at four World Cups and four European Championships, as well as the 2017 Confederations Cup.
The legendary goalkeeper was part of the Germany side that won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and won the golden glove in the process. He even registered an assist at the 2010 World Cup, during the famous 4-1 battering of England.
Having won the World Cup, and playing a tournament on home soil in the 2024 European Championships, there is precious little for Neuer to achieve with the national team. There is the all-time appearance record, but Lothar Matthäus' record of 150 seems a bit of a stretch to go for.
Neuer made his debut for Germany in June 2009, playing 90 minutes against the UAE in Dubai. Later that month, he was part of the side that won the 2009 U21 European Championships, beating England 4-0 in the final.
The 38-year old played every game at Euros/World Cups during his time with the national team, barring the 2010 World Cup third place play-off against Uruguay. In total, he played 39 games at Euros and World Cups - despite Germany's recent World Cup struggles.
With 124 caps, Neuer hangs up his international gloves as Germany's fifth all-time record appearance maker - behind the aforementioned Lothar Matthäus, Miroslav Klose (137), Thomas Müller (131), and Lukas Podolski (130). He is the only goalkeeper in the top 10 most capped players list.
Neuer's individual accolades are seriously impressive, and include; National team player of the year (2020), Euro 2012 team of the tournament, World Cup All-Star team (2010, 2014), and the aforementioned 2014 World Cup golden glove - among plenty of other awards.
An incredible international career comes to an end, and now the Bayern captain can fully focus on the task at hand in 2024/25 with his club. Happy retirement, Manuel.
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