Manuel Neuer Makes History as Germany's Oldest Player at World Cup 2026
Published June 15, 2026
Germany's legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has set a new national record, becoming the oldest player to represent Germany at a major tournament during their dominant 2026 FIFA World Cup opener.
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Manuel Neuer, the iconic German shot-stopper, etched his name further into the annals of football history on Saturday, becoming the oldest player ever to feature for Germany in a major international competition. The veteran goalkeeper achieved this milestone during Germany's emphatic 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curaçao, marking a triumphant start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in the United States.
At 40 years and 79 days old, Neuer surpassed the long-standing record previously held by fellow German legend Lothar Matthäus, who was 39 years and 91 days old when he played at Euro 2000. The match, held at Houston's NRG Stadium, saw Neuer not only break an age record but also join Matthäus in an exclusive club, becoming only the second German footballer to participate in five FIFA World Cups.
This appearance also marked Neuer's 20th World Cup match, placing him alongside esteemed compatriots Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger in terms of tournament caps. The comprehensive win, which included a brace from Kai Havertz, offered a significant boost for the four-time champions, providing a much-needed injection of confidence following disappointing group-stage exits in the previous two World Cup tournaments. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues across its 16 venues in North America, Neuer's longevity and continued impact remain a compelling storyline for Germany.