Manuel Neuer (Germany, 40)

Neuer debuted at the World Cup in 2010 and claimed the trophy in 2014. Germany have struggled since, and a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay closed his international chapter. He had retired following Euro 2024 but returned weeks before the event. “Despite the bitter end, I don’t regret this decision,” he noted after his 23rd and final World Cup outing. Former Germany defender Robert Huth questioned the 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)

Schick made his World Cup bow this summer after impressing at Euro 2020. He failed to score as Czechia exited winless in the group stage. The striker retired from internationals hours after the final group match. “Today, my national team chapter is coming to an end,” he stated. The official Czechia release added: “Thank you for every match, every goal, and the pride with which you represented the Czech Republic.”

Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico, 41)

Ochoa became a fan favorite in 2014 with a famous clean sheet against hosts Brazil. His minutes were limited this summer, though he played 12 against Czechia and earned teammate applause. Manager Javier Aguirre said afterward: “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 wrote: “It was the greatest privilege of my life. Thank you for believing, for always accompanying us. I love you Mexico.”

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria, 35)

After one appearance in 2014, Mahrez waited 12 years to add to his tally. He scored twice against Austria before Algeria fell in the last 32 to Switzerland. 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 statement noted: “You gave us memories that time can never take away. Thank you, Riyad Mahrez.”

Enner Valencia (Ecuador, 36)

Valencia netted six goals across the 2014 and 2022 tournaments but could not add more as Ecuador lost to Mexico in the last 32. “I’ve played my last match with the national team,” he said in the tunnel. Ecuador’s official account praised their record 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 defender played every minute of Argentina’s Qatar triumph after debuting in 2010. Minutes were scarcer in North America, though he featured in all but one game after announcing his March retirement plan. “It’s my last World Cup, from there I’ll be a fan,” he said. Otamendi’s final home match turned into a tribute when Lionel Messi let him take a penalty at La Bombonera.

Marko Arnautovic (Austria, 37)

This marked the striker’s first and only World Cup. He scored twice as Austria reached the last 32 before a 3-0 defeat by Spain. Arnautovic announced his exit in an emotional interview: “Playing for Austria was the biggest highlight. It hits me that from now on I won’t see my second family any more.” The Austrian Football Association posted: “What a career. What a character. Thank you for everything.”

Sadio Mané (Senegal, 34)

Mané featured in 2018 but missed 2022 through injury. After Senegal’s loss to Belgium he issued a retirement statement via Le Quotidien, though its authenticity drew questions: “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 later said: “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.”

Craig Gordon (Scotland, 43)

The goalkeeper earned 84 caps since 2004 but stayed on the bench at his first World Cup. “I’ve never wanted it to end, but it must,” Gordon said, ending both club and international careers. Scotland’s social media account called his spell “a career unlike any other.”

Jean Michaël Seri (Côte d’Ivoire, 35)

Seri made his World Cup debut in a 2-0 win over Curaçao, his 64th cap. He later posted: “After 11 years in the national team, and one World Cup played, I announce the end of my international career today.” Captain Franck Kessié replied: “Congratulations on all that you’ve accomplished with the national team. Thank you for all these moments shared under our colors.”

Neymar (Brazil, 34)

Neymar announced himself with two goals on debut in 2014. Limited by injury this summer, he played 55 minutes before Brazil’s exit to Norway and retired shortly after. “It started here at MetLife Stadium,” he said of his 2010 debut against the US, “and I finished here. It is now over.” Pundit Zlatan Ibrahimovic added: “An amazing player, and the skill set he had was just crazy. So, sad moment for Brazilian football.”