Manuel Neuer retires from international soccer: How many games did he play with Germany?

As if Thomas Müller, Toni Kroos, and Ílkay Gündogan leaving the German national team was not enough, now Manuel Neuer, one of Germany’s most decorated players ever, has decided to follow in their steps and hang up his boots.

Neuer becomes Germany’s fourth player to retire after the 2024 Euros. The ‘Mannschaft’ reached the tournament quarterfinals, being knocked out by Spain, who would eventually became the champions, in a game that was decided on extra time for ‘La Roja’.

The 38-year-old goalkeeper publicly announced his retirement from international soccer in a heartwarming video on his social media channels. In it, he speaks about his best moments with the national team, like Germany’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final and the honor of being the team’s captain. What’s more, the video includes a short description: “Thank you, Germany! I loved wearing the national team jersey.”

Neuer also released a statement explaining that although feeling well physically “After many intense and long discussions with my family and friends, I have decided that right now is the right time to close my chapter at National Eleven.” The goalkeeper also took a moment to thank his fans worldwide: “Many thanks to all the staff, supervisors, coaches, and fellow players who have supported me since my debut in the national team on 2 June 2009. And I especially want to thank you, dear fans, for supporting me all these years!”

Neuer, who still has a contract with Bundesliga club Bayern München until 2025, will now focus on club duties and will most likely pass the torch to Barcelona’s keeper, Ter Stegen, to defend Germany’s goal in international games.

Manuel Neuer’s record with Germany

On 2 June 2009, Manuel Neuer made his senior debut with Germany’s national team in a friendly game against the United Arab Emirates, playing the entire match. He was 23 then, and the Germans trashed their rivals with a 7-2 victory.

Only one year later, Neuer played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, his first-ever senior international tournament. He received only one goal during the group stage and even assisted Miroslav Klose in the opening goal against England in the round of 16. However, Spain knocked Germany out in the semifinals, and Neuer’s dream of World Cup glory had to be postponed.

His moment of glory with Germany arrived in Brazil’s 2014 World Cup, where the Germans were crowned champions after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final. Curiously, from that team’s starting XI, he was the only player left to retire from international duties.

Neuer played 124 games for his country, becoming the fifth player with the most appearances for Germany behind the likes of Lukas Podolski (130), Thomas Müller (131), Miroslav Klose (137), and Lothar Matthäus (150). He also kept 51 clean sheets and received 118 goals, averaging an outstanding ratio of 0.9 goals per game.