A firm decision with no turning back

After Bayern Munich’s 2-0 win over RB Leipzig, Manuel Neuer spoke to Bild and made his position crystal clear: he will not return to the Germany national team for the 2026 World Cup.

In recent months, amid uncertainty in Germany’s goalkeeping situation and the injuries suffered by Marc-André ter Stegen, rumors surfaced about a potential comeback from the veteran keeper—similar to the return Toni Kroos made ahead of Euro 2024. However, Neuer was emphatic when asked whether his international retirement was final: “Yes.”

Rather than fueling speculation, the 39-year-old publicly backed the current starter. “He is now number one and he is doing his job very well. He has consistently delivered strong performances and of course I’m keeping my fingers crossed for him and wish him all the best,” Neuer said, referring to Oliver Baumann.

With those words, Neuer not only confirmed his decision but also sent a message of stability at a delicate moment for Germany’s goalkeeping hierarchy.

Germany’s goalkeeping outlook

With Neuer officially out of the picture, Baumann will remain the first choice while ter Stegen works to regain consistency. The goalkeeper, currently on loan at Girona, has struggled for playing time after losing prominence at Barcelona, and recently picked up another injury that casts doubt over his availability this summer.

Behind them, names such as Noah Atubolu (Freiburg), Finn Dahmen (Augsburg), and Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart) are competing to establish themselves as reliable alternatives.

The end of an era

Manuel Neuer’s decision marks the definitive end of an era for Germany. A World Cup champion in 2014 and a cornerstone of the national team for more than a decade, the goalkeeper has made it clear that his international chapter closed at the European Championship.

Germany now looks ahead without its longtime leader. And this time, there will be no unexpected return.

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