Germany legend Manuel Neuer is reportedly set to make a stunning return to the national team for this summer’s FIFA World Cup, less than two years after announcing his international retirement.
According to German outlet Bild, head coach Julian Nagelsmann has informed members of the squad — including current first-choice goalkeeper Oliver Baumann — that Neuer will be included in Germany’s World Cup squad, which is due to be officially announced on Thursday.
Nagelsmann declined to comment on the reports during a television appearance in Germany on Saturday, while the German Football Federation (DFB) also refused to confirm the news when approached by AFP subsidiary SID on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old retired from international football following Euro 2024 after earning 124 caps for Germany and playing a key role in the country’s 2014 FIFA World Cup triumph.
However, injuries to other goalkeepers and Neuer’s impressive club form appear to have opened the door for a dramatic comeback.
Nagelsmann had consistently backed Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann as Germany’s first-choice option for the tournament, especially with Barcelona star Marc-Andre ter Stegen struggling with recurring injury problems.
But Neuer has enjoyed a strong season with Bayern Munich and recently delivered a standout performance in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid, earning man-of-the-match honours in Bayern’s 2-1 victory.
Despite his form, fitness concerns remain a major issue for the veteran goalkeeper.
Neuer has missed several matches this season due to calf problems in the same leg he fractured during a skiing accident in 2022.
The Bayern Munich captain was forced off after just an hour during Bayern’s final Bundesliga match of the season on Saturday after suffering a recurrence of the injury.
He is now considered doubtful for Bayern’s upcoming German Cup final against Stuttgart.
The latest Germany reports come just days after Neuer signed a one-year contract extension with Bayern Munich, keeping him at the Bundesliga giants until 2027.
If selected, Neuer’s return would add vast experience and leadership to Germany’s World Cup squad as Nagelsmann looks to guide the four-time world champions back to the top of international football.
