Neuer rules out Germany U-turn

Neuer won 124 senior caps, lifted the FIFA 2014 World Cup and captained his country, before retiring from international duty after Germany's quarter-final exit at UEFA Euro 2024.

Strong form at club level had led to some suggesting that the 39-year-old could be coaxed out of retirement in time for the 2026 World Cup, but the Bayern skipper says that's not in his thoughts.

"I have definitely decided not to play for the national team anymore," Neuer told Sky Germany after helping Bayern beat Hamburg 5-0 on Bundesliga Matchday 3.

Prior to the Hamburg game, Neuer had already said his primary focus was on adding to his 31 winners' medals with Bayern.

"I'm concentrating on my club, where we have enough to aim for," he affirmed.

In typical Neuer fashion, two clean sheets in three games have underpinned the defending champions' perfect start to the 2025/26 Bundesliga season.

He also made a Man-of-the-Match-winning contribution to the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup triumph over VfB Stuttgart, whilst helping Vincent Kompany's charges reach the DFB Cup second round.

Watch: Neuer's top 5 saves

On Wednesday, Neuer is set to make his 566th competitive appearance for Bayern when the defending Bundesliga champions face Chelsea in their opening 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league phase fixture.

The former Schalke youngster was in the side when Bayern lost the 2011/12 home final to the Londoners, before lifting the trophy as part of a continental treble in 2012/13 and again in 2019/20.

Earlier this year, Neuer - who turns 40 in March - extended his contract with Bayern through to 30 June 2026.