Neuer breaks Mateusz's record

German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer broke Lothar Matthaus' record today and became the country's oldest footballer in major competitions.

Neuer started the match in goal for Germany against Curacao, and reached the record at the age of 40 years and 79 days.

Mateus was 39 years old when he played for Germany at the 2000 European Championship.

Neuer retired from the national team after the 2024 European Championship, having made 124 appearances and become the most capped goalkeeper in the history of the German national team.

However, coach Julian Nagelsmann returned him to the national team and included him on the travel list for the World Cup.

Neuer is defending at his fifth World Cup, having been in goal in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.

Germany will face Ivory Coast in the second round (June 20) and Ecuador in the third (June 25).