Bild newspaper revealed that discussions took place in recent days between German Football Association (DFB) officials and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer regarding the possibility of reversing his decision to retire from international football and participate in the 2026 World Cup with the national team.
Neuer announced his retirement from international football last year, after which Julian Nagelsmann installed Ter Stegen as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper. However, the Barcelona goalkeeper suffered a serious knee injury, forcing the national coach to rely on Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel to protect the German goal.
According to the report, Rudi Völler, the DFB’s director of football, has already contacted Neuer to explore his position on coming out of retirement, especially since there is considerable uncertainty surrounding Ter Stegen’s condition due to his recent injury, which will keep him out until next January.
Völler believes that Neuer is still fully fit, and with him the goalkeeper position is secure. Furthermore, the 40-year-old will play a major role in the dressing room, a winning formula on all levels for Germany’s journey at the upcoming World Cup.
The player hasn’t rejected the idea, but he hasn’t confirmed his acceptance to Völler. He is waiting to assess the situation over the coming period, as well as his performance and physical condition, before making a final decision on whether or not to return.
It’s worth noting that Nagelsmann previously confirmed that if Ter Stegen wants to participate in the 2026 World Cup, he must continue to play for his club and perform well. Otherwise, the coach will resort to other options. Neuer appears to be the latest idea on the table for the young coach.
It’s worth noting that Neuer performed well last season with Bayern Munich. This season, he opened with a fantastic performance against Stuttgart in the German Super Cup, leading Bayern to the title with a 2-1 victory at the MHB Arena.
