Several renowned international footballers, including Manuel Neuer, Patrik Schick, Guillermo Ochoa, Riyad Mahrez, Enner Valencia, Nicolás Otamendi, Marko Arnautovic, Sadio Mané, Craig Gordon, and Jean Michaël Seri, have announced their retirement from national team duty following their participation in the recent World Cup.
Argentina's 33-year-old goalkeeper Emi Martinez is reflecting on his international future, including potentially stepping aside, following the team's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. He expressed deep pain and a need to consider how to move forward.
Emiliano Martinez, Argentina's 33-year-old goalkeeper, hinted at international retirement after their 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Despite a record 11 saves, Martinez expressed deep pain and reflected on stepping aside in an emotional Instagram post.
Neymar, 34, has declared his Brazil international career over following their 2026 World Cup last-16 exit to Norway. His final appearance was at MetLife Stadium, where he debuted in 2010.
Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry lauded Neymar after his international retirement, calling him a generational talent. Neymar retired after Brazil's Round of 16 exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry praised Neymar after his retirement from international football. The Brazilian star ended his 16-year career as Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 80 goals.
Neymar has retired from international football after Brazil's 2-1 World Cup defeat to Norway. The 34-year-old forward, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, played his final match at MetLife Stadium, concluding a 16-year career.
Neymar has announced his immediate retirement from international football after Brazil's 2-1 World Cup Round of 16 defeat to Norway. The 34-year-old forward concludes a 16-year career as Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer.
Neymar has announced his immediate retirement from international football after Brazil's 2-1 World Cup Round of 16 defeat to Norway. The 34-year-old forward concludes a 16-year career as Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has fiercely criticized England's cricket leadership, demanding head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key resign following Ben Stokes' international retirement and the team's poor Test performances, including a series defeat to New Zealand.
Tributes continue for Ben Stokes after his international cricket retirement during the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan, New Zealand captain Tom Latham, and teammate Joe Root praised the England all-rounder's remarkable career, despite England's series loss.
Ben Stokes, 35, announces retirement from international cricket after England's final Test against New Zealand, citing the decision as 'best for him' and the team, after a 15-year career with 122 Tests, 114 ODIs, and 43 T20s.
England cricket captain Ben Stokes, 35, announces retirement from international cricket after the ongoing 3rd Test against New Zealand, citing emotional toll and desire for the team to give their all in his final matches.
Veteran prop James Slipper has reversed his international retirement to rejoin the Wallabies squad for the Nations Championship. The 37-year-old, with 151 caps, was persuaded by coach Joe Schmidt due to depth concerns. Slipper is open to playing in the 2027 Rugby World Cup if he is in form and needed.
Germany's veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has announced his retirement from international football following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 40-year-old cited physical and mental burdens as reasons for his decision, concluding a distinguished career that includes a 2014 World Cup triumph.
Manuel Neuer, 40, became Germany's oldest player at a major tournament during their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Curaçao. Germany won 7-1, with Neuer marking his return after a brief retirement and injuries to other keepers.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar lauded Kane Williamson's "technically compact and magnificent" batting and "thorough gentleman" character following the New Zealand star's retirement from international cricket. Williamson, who amassed 19,346 runs and 48 centuries, is New Zealand's highest run-scorer.
Japan's World Cup captain Wataru Endo (33) is out with a foot injury and has retired from international football. He's replaced by Shuto Machino. Endo, with 73 caps, believes Japan will eventually win the World Cup and wishes his team success in Group F.
Manuel Neuer has been named in Germany's World Cup squad by Julian Nagelsmann, coming out of international retirement. The 40-year-old goalkeeper will play in his fifth World Cup.
Manuel Neuer, 40, comes out of international retirement to join Germany's 2026 World Cup squad as the team's number one goalkeeper.
