Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer responded to rumors circulating about a possible return from international retirement and representing Germany at the 2026 World Cup.
After Euro 2024, Neuer announced his retirement from international football after his legendary career with the Mannschaft. However, since then, Germany has struggled with goalkeeping, particularly with the injury to Ter Stegen and his recent struggles with Barcelona.
German national team manager Rudi Völler reportedly contacted Neuer and asked him to return and participate in the World Cup, especially since the goalkeeper has been shining brightly for Bayern Munich in recent months.
The 40-year-old responded for the first time to these reports, saying, “First of all, I was not asked to do so. It was a conscious decision on my part to leave the national team and retire, so this option (reversing retirement) is not an option for me.”
He added, leaving the door open to the possibility of his return, “I’ve had a very successful and enjoyable time, and I’m not thinking at all about whether or how I can return to the national team.”
He concluded, “I’ve been with the team since 2009, and the European Championship was a beautiful conclusion. I think I’ve benefited a lot from German football and perhaps even given a little.”
In the same vein, Neuer’s agent, Thomas Kroth, sparked controversy about the possibility of his client’s return, saying, “Manuel is at the top of his game and performing at his best. If Julian Nagelsmann sees a problem in this position, and Manuel is healthy and asks him to do so, he won’t refuse.”
