Having debuted in 2009 against the United Arab Emirates, Neuer earned 124 caps over a 15-year span, ranking fifth in Germany’s all-time appearances list, behind Lothar Matthäus, Miroslav Klose, Thomas Müller, and Lukas Podolski.
Neuer played pivotal roles in Germany’s 2010 FIFA World Cup semi-final run in South Africa and their 2014 FIFA World Cup victory in Brazil—where he played every match and redefined the goalkeeper role.
Following Bastian Schweinsteiger’s 2016 retirement, the Schalke youth graduate became the national team’s captain, leading them through the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and the 2021 UEFA European Championships. He also started every game this past summer as Germany reached the quarter-finals on home soil.
“This decision was not easy,” Neuer admitted in a heartfelt Instagram video. “We’ve experienced many highs and lows together, with winning the 2014 World Cup against Argentina being my best moment. Reflecting on my career, I’m proud and grateful to have shared the pitch with my teammates and worn the captain’s armband for six years. Overcoming a serious injury to play at a home Euros was the crowning glory. I thank the DFB, staff, teammates, and fans for their unwavering support through good times and bad.”