One of the best goalkeepers in the world is saying goodbye to the German national team. At 38 years old, Manuel Neuer has decided to hang up his gloves at international level after 15 years defending the 'Mannschaft' goal. His most important achievement was winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he was key to the title and was awarded as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
In his 15-year career he gave us unforgettable moments. He made his debut on May 19, 2009 in the 7-2 victory over the United Arab Emirates and since then he has played in four World Cups. South Africa 2010 was his first World Cup, where Germany finished third after losing in the semi-finals to Spain. In 2014 he managed to lift the Cup in Brazil, but in 2018 and 2022 his team did not make it past the group stage in Russia and Qatar.
Neuer captained the national team from 2016 to 2023, before passing the baton to Ilkay Gündogan, who also announced his retirement from international football on August 20. The goalkeeper also played in four European Championships, reaching the semi-finals in 2012 and 2016, falling in the round of 16 in 2020 and in the quarter-finals in 2024. His last game was in the 1-2 loss to Spain, with a goal from Mikel Merino in the final moments. He played a total of 124 games, conceding 118 goals and keeping a clean sheet in 51 games.
Good news for Ter Stegen
If there is anyone who can benefit from this retirement, it is precisely Marc-André ter Stegen. The 32-year-old German goalkeeper has never been able to start in the four major tournaments where he has coincided with Neuer in the squad. The Bayern goalkeeper beat him in the World Cups in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 and in the Euro Cups in France 2016 and Germany 2024. So it is presumed that he will be the new number '1' of the German team.
This will be his great opportunity to show the world his worth, which has been clear in his time at Barcelona. The closest option he will have of an international tournament will be the FIFA World Cup Mexico/United States/Canada 2026. So he will have to stay fit and current for the next two years, because let's remember that there are also other very good goalkeepers in Germany such as Kevin Trapp and Alexander Nübel, who could be considered. At the moment, Ter Stegen is expected to be called up for the first day of the 2024/25 Nations League. Germany will play against Hungary on September 7 and against the Netherlands on September 10.