​Foxborough, Massachusetts, June 29: Manuel Neuer, the captain and a legend of Bayern Munich, reacted to Germany’s World Cup 2026 exit after a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay in the Round of 32 at Boston Stadium. The match, captured by Getty Images photographer Robert Cianflone, marked what is likely Neuer’s final international appearance after he had returned from international retirement to help the German team in the tournament. Neuer did not sugarcoat his disappointment, saying it was “extremely bitter for it to end like this” as Germany were eliminated on penalties.
This conclusion closes Neuer’s extraordinarily successful international career, which began with his Germany debut in 2009. He captained the side for several years, including the 2014 World Cup campaign in which Germany emerged world champions, with Neuer playing a pivotal role. Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, he helped redefine the position and collected numerous trophies at both club and international levels.