The World Cup exit against Paraguay marks the end of one of the greatest careers in the history of the German national team. After the bitter defeat, Manuel Neuer confirmed that the 2026 tournament was his final appearance in a DFB jersey.
For Manuel Neuer, his return to the German national team could hardly have ended more bitterly. Following the surprising elimination in the World Cup round of 16 against Paraguay, the 40-year-old confirmed that his time with the DFB team is over.
In an interview with MagentaTV, the Bayern captain was asked whether he could imagine continuing to support the national team even as it rebuilds. His answer was unequivocal. “No, it’s extremely bitter to end it this way,” Neuer explained, visibly moved.
The 2014 World Cup champion made it clear that he would have preferred a different ending to his national team career.
“We had everything in our own hands, and I believe we had the right players to execute that better on the field, but as a team, we just couldn’t manage to play better soccer today.”
“Maybe a notch below”
The goalkeeper also provided insight into the mood following the elimination. “The coach said a few words to us, but otherwise it’s very quiet. Everyone is sad about the elimination.”
Germany struggled to find solutions against Paraguay, especially on offense. “We didn’t have the means or the cutting edge to create opportunities for ourselves. Our plan was to get behind the back line using our wingers. We also wanted to break through Paraguay’s deep-lying defense with quick passes, similar to Kai Havertz’s goal.”
Neuer also weighed in on the German national team’s competitiveness on the international stage. When asked whether Germany was now merely a second-tier team, the Bayern goalkeeper replied: “If you want to measure yourself against teams like France or England, then maybe we’re a notch below.”
However, Neuer did not fully agree with the statements made by his teammate Kai Havertz, who, after the elimination, viewed Germany as merely average on the international stage. “Those are his words,” the 40-year-old clarified.
At the same time, he made it clear that, in his view, the elimination against Paraguay was inexcusable. “It’s clear that you have to beat an opponent like that.”
With the end of his national team career, one of the most successful German goalkeepers of all time is bidding farewell to the international stage. After five World Cups, the 2014 World Cup title, and numerous records, an extraordinary DFB career ends with a major disappointment.