Neuer bows out with a defeat and zero regrets: the end of an era for Germany
Eliminated on penalties by Paraguay, Manuel Neuer ended his international career after 23 World Cup appearances. Schick and a Brazilian icon also said their goodbyes.
Forty years of history, two World Cups, 23 appearances in the tournament. And the end came in the worst possible way: on penalties, against Paraguay. Manuel Neuer hung up his gloves for the German national team after a 2026 World Cup that ended far sooner than any fan had expected.
The goalkeeper had retired from international football after Euro 2024, only to reverse that decision weeks before the tournament — a move that divided opinion within the German squad itself. "Despite the bitter ending, I have no regrets about that decision," Neuer said after his 23rd and final World Cup appearance, according to The Guardian.
Not everyone agreed with his return. Former Germany defender Robert Huth was blunt: "I think the major factor that really unsettled the squad was the inclusion of Neuer. It was very unexpected — he came in late."
Neuer is not alone on the list of farewells. Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick also announced the end of his international career hours after his country's group-stage elimination — without scoring a single goal in the tournament. "Today, my chapter with the national team comes to an end," the forward declared. The Czech federation paid tribute: "Thank you for every match, every goal, and the pride with which you represented the Czech Republic."
On the Brazilian side, an icon also brought his journey to a close — though the details are still emerging.
Golmetria's model had already flagged a difficult World Cup for Germany: just a 1.05% chance of lifting the trophy before the tournament began. Brazil, despite a superior ELO rating, also failed to reach the quarter-finals — and the sixth star remains on hold.
These farewells mark more than the end of individual careers. They close an entire cycle for a generation that lived through the highs, weathered the crises, and tried, one last time, to write a different ending. It doesn't always work out — but at least no one can take away the attempt.