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Germany’s veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has once again announced his retirement from international football, following the national team’s unexpected exit from the World Cup.

The 40-year-old, who had come out of retirement shortly before the tournament, confirmed his decision during television interviews after the defeat.

When asked by broadcaster Sportschau whether this would indeed be his final appearance for Germany, Neuer replied briefly, “Yes.” He later told Magenta TV, “No. It’s very bitter to end it like this.”

Germany’s campaign ended in heartbreak with a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Paraguay, after a 1-1 draw following extra time.

Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead in the first half, but Kai Havertz levelled for Germany after the break with a well-placed header. Germany thought they had clinched victory in extra time when Jonathan Tah scored with a header from a corner, but the goal was overturned by VAR for a foul on the Paraguayan goalkeeper.

In the ensuing penalty shootout, Neuer managed to save Fabian Balbuena’s spot-kick, yet it proved insufficient as Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Tah all failed to convert their penalties, sealing Germany’s early exit.

Neuer had previously stepped away from international football after the 2024 European Championship, stating then that he had no plans to return. During his absence, Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann took over as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper, featuring in six qualification matches and friendly fixtures as Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen recovered from injury.

Despite both Neuer and Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann initially denying the possibility of a recall, persistent speculation eventually proved correct when Nagelsmann reinstated the Bayern Munich goalkeeper as his number one for the World Cup, pushing Baumann to the bench. However, the decision failed to yield the desired result as Germany were eliminated in the first knockout round.

Having made his debut for the national team in 2009, Neuer was the last active member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad and retires with a total of 128 international caps.

He will, however, continue his club career, having signed a contract extension with Bayern Munich last month.

Since joining Bayern from Schalke in 2011, Neuer has collected 13 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League trophies, along with the World Cup triumph 12 years ago.