'Berlin Wall' falls: Germany's Manuel Neuer retires from international football after World Cup upset

Manuel Neuer, the iconic German goalkeeper celebrated as the 'Berlin Wall,' has announced his retirement from international football following Germany's stunning upset loss to Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.

Neuer, who played a pivotal role in Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph, confirmed his decision in a post-match interview with broadcaster ARD, stating "Yes" when asked if it was his final game for the national team. This marks the end of an illustrious international career spanning 128 appearances, making him the fifth-most capped German player.

The retirement comes after Germany's unexpected 1-1 draw against Paraguay, which led to a penalty shootout defeat. This early exit represents Germany's worst performance in a FIFA World Cup knockout stage since 1994.

Despite an earlier retirement announcement in August 2024, Neuer, at 40 years old, had returned to represent Germany at the World Cup following a show of faith from head coach Julian Nagelsmann. He was awarded the Golden Glove for his performance in the 2014 World Cup, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation.

The match itself was marked by controversy, including a disallowed goal for Germany in extra time after a VAR review. The defeat to Paraguay, ranked 41st compared to Germany's 10th, ranks among the biggest knockout upsets in modern World Cup history.

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