Neuer to Neymar: 11 World Cup players who retired from international football | 2026 World Cup

Manuel Neuer (Germany, 40)

He first participated in the World Cup in 2010 before winning the trophy four years later. Germany have had little success since and their penalty shootout loss to Paraguay marked the end of Neuer’s international career. He initially retired after Euro 2024 but reversed that decision a few weeks before the tournament. “Despite the sad ending, I don’t regret this decision,” he said after his 23rd and final World Cup appearance. Former German defender Robert Huth criticized the decision to bring Neuer out of retirement: “I think the biggest thing that disturbed the team was the inclusion of Neuer.” [it was] He was really unexpected, he came late to the table.”

Patrik Schick (Czechia, 30)

He started playing in the World Cup this summer as he left the spotlight at Euro 2020. Schick failed to score as Czechia did not win and was eliminated from the group stage. The striker announced his international retirement hours after the final group game. “Today my stage in the national team ends,” he said. An official Czech statement praised the hat: “Thank you for every game, every goal, and the pride you represent the Czech Republic.”

Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico, 41)

He became a fan favorite in 2014 when he kept a clean sheet against the hosts of the World Cup, Brazil. His playing time was limited this summer, but he got 12 minutes against Czechia, where he was celebrated by his teammates. After full time the manager, Javier Aguirre, said: “When he entered the field, it overshadowed everything else. Ochoa later wrote: “It was the greatest honor of my life. Thank you for believing, for always walking with us. I love you Mexico.”

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria, 35)

After appearing in the 2014 final, Mahrez had to wait 12 years to add to his tally. He scored twice against Austria before Algeria were knocked out of the last 32 by Switzerland in his last game. Mahrez said: “To represent Algeria has been my dream since I was young to play for my country. The statement of the Confederation of African Football says: “You gave us memories that time will never end. Thank you, Riyad Mahrez.”

Enner Valencia (Ecuador, 36)

The striker scored six goals in as many games in the 2014 and 2022 finals but was unable to add to the tally for Ecuador’s team that lost to Mexico in the last 32. “I played my last game with the national team,” he said in the tunnel afterwards. Ecuador’s official X account showed appreciation to its goalscorer: “The GOAT. Super Enner. Thank you for your dedication to the country and fighting in the best possible way.”

Nicolás Otamendi (Argentina, 38)

The tenacious defender played every minute of Argentina’s victory in Qatar, having made his World Cup debut in 2010. Playing time has been hard to come by in North America, although he has appeared in every part of the game, having revealed his intention to retire in March. “It is my last World Cup, from then on I will be a fan,” he said. Otamendi’s last home game was a medal, with Lionel Messi allowing him to score a penalty at La Bombonera.

Marko Arnautovic (Austria, 37)

This was the striker’s first and last World Cup. He scored two goals when Austria reached the last 32, where they lost to Spain 3-0. Arnautovic revealed his departure in an emotional post-match interview, saying: “Playing for Austria was a highlight. It affects me that from now on I won’t be able to see my second family.” In a post on social media, the Austrian Football Association said: “What a job. What a character. Thank you for everything.”

Sadio Mané (Senegal, 34)

He participated in 2018 but an injury ruled him out after four years. After Senegal played Belgium, Mané released a statement about his retirement through the Senegalese newspaper Le Quotidien – although there were questions about its authenticity – saying: “Know that I sacrificed everything for this flag. I gave my best and fought hard for my country.” When asked about Mané’s retirement in January, Pape Thiaw replied: “We want to keep him as long as possible … if we say his decision, it is not just his, it belongs to the people of Senegal, and they want to see him continue.”

Craig Gordon (Scotland, 43)

This goalkeeper played 84 games, he started playing in 2004, but he did not come off the bench in the first World Cup. “I never wanted it to end, but it has to,” said Gordon, calling time on his club and the world at large. Gordon’s spell was described as “a career unlike any other” by the Scotland national team’s social media account.

Jean Michaël Seri (Côte d’Ivoire, 35)

He played for the first time in the World Cup when his team won 2-0 against Curaçao, his 64th game. In a social media post, the former Fulham midfielder later said: “After 11 years in the national team, and one World Cup played, I announce the end of my international career today. Seri has received a wealth of payments under his post. “Congratulations for everything you have done with the national team,” replied the captain, Franck Kessie. “Thank you for all these moments shared under our colors.”

Neymar (Brazil, 34)

He announced that he is in the World Cup stage with two goals in his first game in 2014. Barred by injury for the current tournament, he managed 55 minutes before Brazil’s exit against Norway and announced his international retirement shortly after full-time. “It started here at MetLife Stadium,” he said, referring to his first game against the US in August 2010, “and I finished here. Now it’s over.” Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who works as a pundit on American television, said: “A wonderful player, and the ability he had was insane. So, it’s a sad time for Brazilian football.”