In the first round of the FIFA World Cup group stage in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Germany vs. Curaçao, 40-year-old veteran Neuer started, becoming the oldest player to appear for Germany in its history.
Previously, the record holder for most appearances in Germany's history was Matthäus. In the group stage match between Germany and Portugal at Euro 2000, Matthäus, at 39 years and 91 days old, played his last international match, and he still holds the record for most appearances in Germany's history with 150 caps.
After Germany lost 1-2 to Spain in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, Neuer made his first appearance for the German national team, and at 40 years and 79 days old, he became the oldest player to appear in the history of the German national team.