Manuel Neuer says the World Cup will be his final tournament before retiring from international football again.
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has confirmed he will retire from international football after the World Cup, bringing an end to his brief return to the national team for the tournament.
The 40-year-old, who retired following Germany’s Euro 2024 quarter-final exit, said he has no plans to represent his country beyond the World Cup and will not feature at the next European Championship.
“For me it is clear that this is my last tournament,” Neuer told reporters on Thursday. “I do not plan to be there in two years’ time for the next Euro.”
Neuer returned to the Germany squad after nearly two years away and was selected ahead of Oliver Baumann, who had initially been expected to start the tournament as first-choice goalkeeper. The veteran made his international comeback in Germany’s emphatic 7-1 victory over Curacao in their opening Group E match.
Despite the competition for the starting spot, Neuer said he and Baumann have maintained a strong working relationship and continue to support each other within the squad.
Neuer is expected to start Germany’s second group match against Ivory Coast on Saturday. A victory would secure qualification for the knockout stage with one game remaining.
Germany are aiming to move beyond the disappointment of consecutive group-stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Neuer said the team remains focused solely on the next challenge.
“We have everything in our own hands,” he said. “The next step is Ivory Coast.”
