Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has come out of international retirement after being named as Germany’s first-choice keeper for the World Cup by head coach Julian Nagelsmann. Nagelsmann had previously labelled Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann as his first choice but changed his mind.
“Yes I plan with [Neuer as No 1],” Nagelsmann said. “The main task was to nominate the best three keepers. So we decided that these three are part of that. We contacted Manuel and asked him if he wanted to play for the national team again.”
The 40-year-old Neuer last played for Germany at Euro 2024 before retiring. He is now set to appear in his fifth consecutive World Cup, joining an elite group of players with five or more tournaments. Neuer, a 2014 World Cup winner, enjoyed a solid season with champions Bayern and signed a contract extension last week. The club can win the domestic double with victory over Stuttgart in the German Cup final on Saturday.
Nagelsmann’s 26-man squad included few major surprises, with Bayern teenager Lennart Karl, Nadiem Amiri and Leroy Sané called up. Niclas Füllkrug, Karim Adeyemi and Kevin Schade were among the omissions. “They [players] fit well together. It is a good mix,” Nagelsmann said. “We are happy with our choice but know others will stay at home who have performed very well.”
Germany face Curacao, Ecuador and Ivory Coast in Group E at the World Cup. After shock group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022, Nagelsmann stated: “The statement stands. We want to become world champions. Every player who is nominated needs to show it now every day.”
