World Cup: Germany recall Manuel Neuer, 40, as first-choice goalkeeper

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann recalled veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from international retirement and named the 40-year-old as his first-choice goalkeeper for next month’s World Cup.

Thursday’s announcement of Germany’s national football team marked a dramatic turnaround after Nagelsmann had consistently backed Oliver Baumann as Germany’s No.1. Neuer’s retirement after Euro 2024.

“Yes, I plan to (with Neuer as No. 1),” Nagelsmann told reporters. “The main task was to nominate the three best goalkeepers. So we decided that these three are part of it.”

“We contacted Manuel and asked him if he wanted to play for the national team again,” he added.

Neuer, who won the 2014 World Cup with Germany, is now set to appear in his fifth successive World Cup, joining an elite list of players who have appeared in five or more editions of football’s biggest tournament.

The veteran enjoyed another strong campaign with Bayern Munich, helping the club secure the Bundesliga title. Bayern can still complete the domestic double when they face VfB Stuttgart in the German Cup final on Saturday. Neuer also signed a contract extension with Bayern last week.

Nagelsmann’s 26-man squad produced some big surprises, though Bayern young talent Lennart Karl earned a call-up after a breakthrough season. Leroy Sane and Nadiem Amiri also made the squad despite being considered outside contenders.

“They go well together. It’s a good mix. Many have been playing together since they were young,” Nagelsmann said. “We are happy with our choice, but we know that others who have done very well will stay at home.”

Germany have been drawn in Group E alongside Curacao, Ecuador and Ivory Coast as they chase a fifth World Cup title after suffering shock group stage exits in 2018 and 2022.

“The statement stands,” Nagelsmann said. “We want to become world champions. Every player who is nominated now has to show it every day.”

Germany’s World Cup team

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nuebel

Defenders: Nico Schlotterbeck, David Raum, Nathaniel Brown, Jonathan Tah, Waldemar Anton, Pascal Gross, Joshua Kimmich, Felix Nmecha, Malick Thiaw, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Antonio Rudiger, Angelo Stiller

Midfielders/forwards: Leon Goretzka, Maximilian Beier, Jamal Musiala, Nadiem Amiri, Jamie Leweling, Kai Havertz, Lennart Karl, Florian Wirtz, Deniz Undav, Nick Woltemade, Leroy Sane

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

21 May 2026 19:24 IST