Neymar, Neuer, Three Others Who Retired After 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup brought the curtain down on the international careers of several of football’s biggest names, with six renowned figures announcing their retirement from national team duty after the tournament.

According to information published by FIFA on Thursday, Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Brazil forward Neymar, Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez, Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick and France coach Didier Deschamps all ended their international journeys following the competition.

Their departures mark the end of distinguished careers defined by World Cup appearances, major honours and lasting contributions to their respective national teams.

1. Manuel Neuer – Germany

Manuel Neuer signed off as one of the greatest goalkeepers the game has ever produced, having transformed the role through his innovative sweeper-keeper style.

The German shot-stopper made his senior international debut in 2009 and quickly established himself as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper, combining excellent reflexes with exceptional composure and distribution.

Neuer was instrumental in Germany’s triumph at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where he claimed the Golden Glove award for the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

After making a surprise return for the 2026 World Cup despite previously announcing his retirement, Neuer concluded his international career with 128 appearances, five World Cup campaigns and more than 17 years representing Germany.

2. Neymar – Brazil

Neymar bowed out as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer and one of the country’s finest footballers.

He earned his first senior cap in 2010 as an 18-year-old and found the net on his debut against the United States, signalling the arrival of a future superstar.

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During his international career, Neymar inspired Brazil to victory at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and won Olympic gold on home soil at the Rio 2016 Games after converting the decisive penalty against Germany.

Although he enjoyed remarkable individual success, the World Cup title eluded him. Following Brazil’s Round of 16 exit at the 2026 tournament, Neymar confirmed he was retiring from international football.

He finished with 130 appearances and 80 goals for the Seleção.

3. Riyad Mahrez – Algeria

Riyad Mahrez leaves the Algeria national team as one of the country’s greatest-ever players and a central figure in its modern football history.

After making his debut in 2014, the winger helped Algeria reach the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time.

His defining international achievement came in 2019 when he captained the Desert Foxes to the Africa Cup of Nations title, highlighted by his unforgettable stoppage-time free-kick against Nigeria in the semi-finals.

Mahrez had announced before the 2026 World Cup that the tournament would be his final outing for Algeria before officially retiring after their elimination by Switzerland.

4. Guillermo Ochoa – Mexico

Guillermo Ochoa ended an outstanding international career after becoming one of Mexico’s greatest World Cup performers.

The veteran goalkeeper debuted in 2005 and went on to feature at six consecutive FIFA World Cups, earning global admiration for his performances.

Among his standout displays were memorable performances against Brazil in 2014, Germany in 2018 and Poland in 2022, when he denied Robert Lewandowski from the penalty spot.

The 2026 World Cup, staged on home soil, brought an emotional conclusion to his 21-year international career.

5. Patrik Schick – Czech Republic

Patrik Schick called time on his international career after representing the Czech Republic for a decade.

The striker rose to worldwide prominence at Euro 2020 with his spectacular long-range strike against Scotland from nearly 50 yards, a goal later voted the best of the tournament.

Schick made his senior debut in 2016 and announced his retirement after the Czech Republic’s campaign ended at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He departs as one of the country’s most gifted attacking players of his generation.

The retirements of Neuer, Neymar, Mahrez, Ochoa, Schick close an important chapter in international football, ending careers that produced some of the sport’s most iconic moments over the past two decades.