Veteran German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer celebrated a new historic achievement with his appearance in Monday evening's match against Paraguay in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Neuer, captain of the German national team and Bayern Munich goalkeeper, became Germany's most-capped player in World Cup starting line-ups, with 23 appearances, surpassing the duo of Miroslav Klose and Lothar Matthäus, who were level on 22 starting appearances.
The 40-year-old German goalkeeper also drew level with Italy's Paolo Maldini in fifth place on the list of players with the most World Cup appearances, whether as a starter or substitute.
Topping that list is Argentine star Lionel Messi with 29 appearances — he is also participating with his country at the 2026 World Cup — followed by Matthäus and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo with 25 appearances each, then Klose with 24 appearances.
It is worth noting that Manuel Neuer retired from international football after Germany's elimination in the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2024, following their defeat to Spain, who subsequently went on to win the tournament.
However, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann convinced Neuer to reverse his international retirement decision, given the frequent injuries to Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and a lack of full confidence in relying on goalkeeper Oliver Baumann in the starting line-up.