Manuel Neuer (Germany, 40)
His World Cup journey began in 2010, culminating in a championship victory four years later. Germany’s fortunes have since dwindled, and a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay brought the goalkeeper’s international tenure to a close. He had stepped away after Euro 2024 but chose to return shortly before this competition. “Despite the bitter end, I don’t regret this decision,” he stated following his 23rd and final World Cup match. Former Germany defender Robert Huth questioned the late recall: “I think the big one that really unsettles the squad was the Neuer inclusion. I think [it was] really unexpected, he came late to the table.”
Patrik Schick (Czechia, 30)
Having made a mark at Euro 2020, he experienced his first World Cup this summer. Schick failed to find the net as Czechia went winless and were knocked out in the group phase. The forward declared his retirement from the national side hours after their concluding group match. “Today, my national team chapter is coming to an end,” he said. A formal statement from Czechia paid homage: “Thank you for every match, every goal, and the pride with which you represented the Czech Republic.”
Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico, 41)
Became a beloved figure in 2014 after a memorable clean sheet against the tournament hosts, Brazil. His minutes were scarce this summer, though he managed 12 minutes against Czechia, where teammates rallied around him. After the final whistle, manager Javier Aguirre commented: “The moment he stepped on to the pitch, it overshadowed everything else. He is a world-class legend, and I am incredibly proud of him.” Ochoa later shared: “It was the greatest privilege of my life. Thank you for believing, for always accompanying us. I love you Mexico.”
Guillermo Ochoa shows his emotions after Mexico’s exit against England. Photograph: Álex Cruz/EPA
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria, 35)
After a single appearance at the 2014 finals, Mahrez endured a 12-year wait to add to his cap count. He struck twice against Austria before Algeria bowed out in the round of 32 against Switzerland in his last outing. Mahrez reflected: “Representing Algeria has been a dream of mine ever since I was young, to play for my country. It’s been an immense honour and a great source of pride.” A Confederation of African Football message read: “You gave us memories that time can never take away. Thank you, Riyad Mahrez.”
Enner Valencia (Ecuador, 36)
The forward scored six times across six matches during the 2014 and 2022 finals but could not increase that total for an Ecuador side that fell to Mexico in the last 32. “I’ve played my last match with the national team,” he said in the tunnel afterwards. Ecuador’s official X account paid tribute to their all-time top scorer: “The GOAT. Super Enner. Thank you for giving yourself to the country and representing it in the best way.”
Nicolás Otamendi (Argentina, 38)
The resolute centre-back featured in every minute of Argentina’s victorious campaign in Qatar, having debuted at the 2010 tournament. Opportunities became more limited in North America, though he participated in all but one match, having already announced his plan to step aside in March. “It’s my last World Cup, from there I’ll be a fan,” he said. Otamendi’s final home appearance turned into a farewell, with Lionel Messi allowing him to convert a penalty at La Bombonera.
Marko Arnautovic (Austria, 37)
This edition marked the striker’s first and final World Cup. He scored twice as Austria advanced to the round of 32, where they lost 3–0 to Spain. Arnautovic revealed his exit in a heartfelt post-match conversation, saying: “Playing for Austria was the biggest highlight. It hits me that from now on I won’t see my second family any more.” In a social media post, the Austrian Football Association wrote: “What a career. What a character. Thank you for everything.”
Sadio Mané (Senegal, 34)
Took part in 2018 but missed the next edition four years later due to injury. Following Senegal’s collapse against Belgium, Mané issued a statement about stepping away through Senegalese outlet Le Quotidien – though its authenticity has been questioned – declaring: “Know that I sacrificed everything for this flag. I gave the very best of myself and I always fought fiercely for our homeland.” Pape Thiaw was asked about Mané’s future in January and responded: “We want to keep him as long as possible … when we say it’s his decision, it doesn’t just belong to him, he belongs to the people of Senegal, and they want to see him carry on.”
Sadio Mané has called time on his international career with Senegal. Photograph: Jared C Tilton/FIFA/Getty Images
Craig Gordon (Scotland, 43)
The goalkeeper earned 84 caps after his 2004 debut but remained on the bench during his maiden World Cup. “I’ve never wanted it to end, but it must,” Gordon stated, drawing a close to both his club and national team journey. His tenure was hailed as “a career unlike any other” by the Scotland national team’s social media account.
Jean Michaël Seri (Côte d’Ivoire, 35)
Earned his first World Cup appearance during his team’s 2–0 win over Curaçao, marking his 64th international cap. In a social media message, the former Fulham midfielder later wrote: “After 11 years in the national team, and one World Cup played, I announce the end of my international career today.” Tributes poured in beneath his post. “Congratulations on all that you’ve accomplished with the national team,” replied captain Franck Kessié. “Thank you for all these moments shared under our colors.”
Neymar (Brazil, 34)
Burst onto the World Cup scene with a brace on his debut in 2014. Hampered by fitness issues at this tournament, he played only 55 minutes before Brazil’s elimination by Norway and confirmed his international departure shortly after the final whistle. “It started here at MetLife Stadium,” he remarked, referencing his debut against the US in August 2010, “and I finished here. It is now over.” Zlatan Ibrahimovic, serving as an analyst for US television, said: “An amazing player, and the skill set he had was just crazy. So, sad moment for Brazilian football.”
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