Bild reported that Manuel Neuer is not completely opposed to returning to the German national team and participating in the 2026 World Cup, but he is setting one condition for reversing his decision to retire from international football.
Demands are growing in Germany that Neuer should be the goalkeeper for the upcoming World Cup, given Ter Stegen’s injury and doubts about his ability to regain his form. There is no other goalkeeper who has caught the eye and offered even a fraction of the outstanding performances of the 40-year-old.
Although Neuer has previously stated that he will not come out of retirement, he is actually willing to serve the German national team again, provided Julian Nagelsmann contacts him and holds a frank conversation with him, during which he assures him that he truly hopes to return to his team.
Bild noted that the relationship between Neuer and Nagelsmann has never been close since the coach’s time at Bayern Munich. The two maintained a professional relationship, but there was no closeness or any good feelings between them. This also played a role in the goalkeeper’s announcement of his retirement after Euro 2024.
Nagelsmann has not yet made a final decision regarding Neuer. What is certain now is that if he wants to bring back the Bayern Munich legend, he must address him and emphasize his personal desire to do so. Otherwise, Neuer himself will never take the initiative and will not feel any pressure in this regard.
