Manuel Neuer announces this will be his last tournament for Germany

Manuel Neuer is heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And then he’s done.

The Bayern Munich goalkeeper, who initially retired from international duty in August 2024, has announced that this summer’s tournament will be his final act in a Germany shirt. At 40 years old, Neuer is set to become the oldest player to represent Germany in a major tournament, capping off a career that has spanned 124 caps and five World Cups.

From retirement to recall

Neuer stepped away from the national team on August 21, 2024, following Germany’s quarterfinal exit at Euro 2024. At that point, 124 caps seemed like a clean number to end on.

Then coach Julian Nagelsmann reopened it. On May 21, 2026, Nagelsmann recalled Neuer to the squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Neuer’s career with the national team stretches back to 2009. He was the starting goalkeeper when Germany lifted the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, revolutionizing the sweeper-keeper role in the process. The 2026 edition will mark his fifth consecutive World Cup appearance.

The crypto sideshow nobody asked for

A Solana-based meme token named “NEUER” launched shortly after the announcement of his return to the squad. The token has no connection to Manuel Neuer, Bayern Munich, or the German Football Association. Zero endorsement. Zero affiliation.

What this means for the broader picture

Neuer’s contract with Bayern Munich runs through at least 2027, so his club career isn’t going anywhere. This retirement is strictly about the national team.

For the crypto market, the NEUER token episode is a useful case study in how quickly speculative instruments can materialize around sporting events. The 2026 World Cup is expanding to 48 teams across the US, Mexico, and Canada.

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