Germany’s Neuer and Brazil’s Neymar lead post-World Cup retirements
Eleven players from the 2026 World Cup have announced their retirement from international football, including Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and Brazil forward Neymar. The tournament, held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marked the final chapter for veterans spanning multiple generations.
Manuel Neuer ends Germany career after penalty shootout loss
Manuel Neuer, 40, played his 23rd World Cup match in Germany’s round-of-32 defeat to Paraguay on penalties. The 2014 World Cup winner had initially retired after Euro 2024 but reversed that decision weeks before the tournament. “Despite the bitter end, I don’t regret this decision,” Neuer said. Former Germany defender Robert Huth criticized the recall: “I think the big one that really unsettles the squad was the Neuer inclusion. I think [it was] really unexpected, he came late to the table.”
Patrik Schick and Guillermo Ochoa bid farewell
Czech striker Patrik Schick, 30, announced his retirement hours after Czechia’s group-stage exit without a win. “Today, my national team chapter is coming to an end,” he said. The Czech federation thanked him for “every match, every goal, and the pride.” Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, 41, played his final 12 minutes against Czechia, receiving a guard of honor from teammates. Coach Javier Aguirre called him “a world-class legend.” Ochoa posted: “It was the greatest privilege of my life.”
Mahrez, Valencia, Otamendi among others retiring
Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, 35, scored twice against Austria before Algeria fell to Switzerland in the last 32. “Representing Algeria has been a dream,” Mahrez said. Ecuador’s Enner Valencia, 36, failed to add to his six World Cup goals in a loss to Mexico. “I’ve played my last match with the national team,” he said. Argentina defender Nicolás Otamendi, 38, played every minute of the 2022 triumph but reduced minutes in 2026; he said in March, “It’s my last World Cup, from there I’ll be a fan.”
Arnautovic, Mané, and others call it quits
Austria’s Marko Arnautovic, 37, scored twice in his first and only World Cup, ending with a 3-0 loss to Spain. “Playing for Austria was the biggest highlight,” he said. Senegal’s Sadio Mané, 34, announced retirement after a defeat to Belgium, though questions about the statement’s authenticity arose. Coach Pape Thiaw said in January, “We want to keep him as long as possible.” Scotland’s Craig Gordon, 43, debuted in 2004 and did not play in his first World Cup. “I’ve never wanted it to end, but it must,” he said. Côte d’Ivoire’s Jean Michaël Seri, 35, played his 64th cap at the World Cup and said, “After 11 years in the national team, I announce the end.”
Neymar ends Brazil career after injury-hit tournament
Neymar, 34, scored on his World Cup debut in 2014 but managed only 55 minutes in 2026 due to injury before Brazil lost to Norway. “It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here,” he said. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, working as a pundit, remarked: “An amazing player, and the skill set he had was just crazy. So, sad moment for Brazilian football.”
