Pros and cons: Should Neuer make Germany comeback for World Cup?
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer gestures during the UEFA Champions League semi-final, second leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain at the Allianz Arena. Tom Weller/dpa The comeback of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to the Germany national team is being discussed internally in far greater depth and with far more controversy than coach Julian Nagelsmann has let on, the Kicker magazine reported. It would be a spectacular return for the 40-year-old Bayern Munich captain, who retired after Euro 2024, and one last chance to win a World Cup, this time in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
What are the pros and cons of Neuer's return to the national team? Pros: Neuer's top performances Many experts still consider Neuer an exceptional talent despite his age. According to Germany great Lothar Matthäus, Neuer embodies "world-class" quality.
He is perhaps the best "goalkeeper of the present, and certainly of the past," and remains among the five best goalkeepers in the world. Such praise is rarely heard for Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann, who is currently the team's number one ahead of the World Cup. The 2-1 victory against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions Leaguer quarter-finals tie was one of Neuer's highlights this season.
The goalkeeper made several crucial and difficult saves - just like in his prime. "Manu made that save, that would have torn me apart in goal back in the day. That's not just a normal performance any more, it's magic with gloves," former Germany goalkeeper Sepp Maier said in an interview with broadcaster Sport1.
"Anyone who still debates whether he's good enough knows as much about goalkeeping as I do about ballet. " Former national team player Dietmar Hamann, meanwhile, noted that Neuer can still win games single-handedly. Pros: Experience and charisma Neuer also shone in the semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, despite Bayern's elimination, while Baumann hasn't had to prove himself at the highest international level with his club in quite some time.