Neuer, Neymar among 11 players retiring from international football
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 21, 2026, 7:00 AM
Last updated Jul 21, 2026
Following the 2026 World Cup, Manuel Neuer and Neymar are among 11 players who have announced their retirement from international football. Neuer's career with the German national team concluded after a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay marked his final appearance, having initially retired post-Euro 2024 but reversed that decision ahead of the tournament. His inclusion in the squad faced criticism from former teammate Robert Huth, who felt it disrupted the team's dynamics. Neymar's international retirement follows a storied career representing Brazil, capping off a significant chapter for both players at the World Cup.
- •Neuer retires after 23 World Cup appearances.
- •Neymar announces retirement after the World Cup.
- •Neuer faced criticism for returning from retirement.
- •Germany lost to Paraguay in Neuer's final match.
- •The retirement signifies a generational shift for national teams.
- 7:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Neuer to Neymar: 11 World Cup players who retired from international football
"Germany’s 2014 World Cup winning goalkeeper and a Brazilian icon are among those who have have called time after the 2026 tournament First participated in the World Cup in 2010 before winning the trophy four years later. Germany have had little success since and their penalty shootout defeat by Paraguay marked the end of Neuer’s international career. He initially retired after Euro 2024 but reversed that decision a few weeks before this tournament. “Despite the bitter end, I don’t regret this decision,” he said after his 23rd and final World Cup appearance. The former Germany defender Robert Huth criticised the decision to bring Neuer out of retirement: “I think the big one that really unsettles the squad was the Neuer inclusion. I think [it was] really unexpected, he came late to the table.” Continue reading...
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