In what seems to be a summer full of International retirements, especially in Deutschland, another Great of the Beautiful Game has decided to hang up his boots. Arguably the greatest Goalkeeper ever, or at least one of the greatest, Manuel Neuer announced his retirement from International football on Wednesday. The man who revolutionized the Goalkeeper role since the turn of the century ended his 15-year-long relationship with Die Mannschaft via a Social Media post on Instagram.
Neuer wrote, “Dear fans, dear football Germany, after over 15 years and 124 national games, my career in the German national football team ends today.”
He expressed that the decision was not taken lightly, acknowledging that he felt physically fit and was tempted by the upcoming 2026 World Cup. However, after much reflection and discussions with loved ones, he felt it was the right time to step away. Neuer reminisced about the pride he felt, especially after winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and being captain for 61 games. He also thanked the staff, coaches, teammates, and fans who supported him throughout his journey, emphasizing how much he cherished wearing the national jersey.
The 37-year-old becomes the 4th German International who has now retired from International Football in the past 2 months. Manuel Neuer joins the elite list consisting of Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller and Ilkay Gundogan; Germany’s old guard will now watch Die Mannshachft from the VIP box, yet each one of them would be ever-ready to enter the pitch again. In Manuel Neuer’s absence, Marc-André ter Stegen is expected to carry out Germany’s goalkeeping duties.
Manuel Neuer is the 3rd Best Player of Our Generation and here’s why
There’s no debate that Manuel Neuer in so many ways has changed the way Goalkeepers play in the modern game. The “Cleansweeper” role did not exist before Neuer started darting forward and clearing or controlling any danger thrown at his goal through long balls by the opposition justifying his nickname as the “Sweeper-Keeper” Now, most goalkeepers are asked to stay alert and clear any incoming danger if they can. You hardly see any goalkeepers stuck by their goalposts anymore.
Apart from his Clean sweeping antics, Neuer was one of the calmest keepers with the ball at his feet. A dream for any Possession-based team, Bayern’s number 1 hardly misplaced any passes from the back. While these sure are the highlighted characteristics of the German keeper, he was no slouch between the sticks as well. Pulling out saves which seemed humanly impossible is Neuer’s favourite thing in the world and he proved this time and again.
There is a very good reason that he has been called as the “Goatkeeper” and his trophy cabinet speaks for itself. According to the Bundesliga website, Neuer has won 31 titles as a professional at Bayern and with the national team. He is a FIFA World Cup winner and, alongside his 11 Bundesliga crowns, Neuer has won six DFB Cups, seven DFL Super Cups, two Champions Leagues, two UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups. That’s not including all his personal honours, either.
The Golden Glove at the 2014 World Cup would rank as his biggest personal achievement. He is the only keeper to win 2 Trebles as a Goalkeeper, one in 2013, the other in 2020. The 2-time German Footballer of the Year remains the only goalkeeper in Bundesliga history to have played 100+ appearances and concede fewer goals (415) than games played (494, at an average of 0.84 per game). Mind you, this is in the league known for its attacking football.
From 2013 to 2016, the former Schalke keeper was named World’s Best Goalkeeper by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) four years in a row. He claimed the honour for a fifth time in 2020. He also has the longest unbeaten streak as a goalkeeper in the history of the sport from November 2012 and March 2014 when Neuer went 48 games unbeaten.
With so many records and achievements under his belt, it’s hard not to classify Manuel Neuer as the 3rd best player of our Generation just behind Messi and Ronaldo, and possibly as the GOAT amongst Goalkeepers.
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