Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has confirmed he will not return to the Germany national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The 39-year-old retired from international football after Euro 2024, but with Marc-André ter Stegen out with a long-term injury, speculation had mounted about a possible comeback.
Speaking to Bild at the Bavarian State Chancellery in Munich, Neuer dismissed the idea, saying his retirement was final.
“First of all, I wasn’t asked. It was a conscious decision on my part to leave the national team and retire, so it’s not even an option for me,” he said.
“I had a very successful and enjoyable time, and I’m not currently thinking about whether or how I could return. I have been with the team since 2009, and ending my international career at the European Championship was a nice conclusion. I think I got a lot out of German football and maybe gave something back as well.”
