It feels as if Manuel Neuer has been linked to a return to the German national team even before he made the decision to step away after the 2024 UEFA Euros. The decision came as a shock to many as Neuer expressed his desire to focus fully on his club career with Bayern Munich.
In a way, the 39-year-old goalkeeper’s decision paid off and in a way it hasn’t. The result of Neuer’s focus has been a scintillating run of form for ‘Die Rekordmeister’, recently picking up a man of the match award in Bayern’s Champions League clash against the reigning champions, PSG. Although, as Neuer’s rich vein of form continues, so do the persistent rumours linking him to a return to the German national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Within the DFB, there are voices trying to convince Julian Nagelsmann of a Manuel Neuer comeback. Two conditions would have to be met for that to happen: Marc-André ter Stegen would not get game time at Barcelona or another club after his return from injury. And: Nagelsmann would have to be willing to approach Neuer and convince him to return. Neuer’s international retirement in August 2024 was not entirely voluntary. Bayern’s management could publicly support Neuer to return to the national team.
The first condition is far more likely than the second. Ter Stegen’s recent public fallout with Barcelona over a financial dispute while the club captain was sidelined has not helped his popularity in Catalunya. It remains to be seen whether Flick will side with Ter Stegen but after his recent comments and current popularity status, it’s possible the German may see more of the bench than the pitch. As for the second condition, Neuer and Nagelsmann had an equally public falling out when Nagelsmann sacked Bayern’s long-serving goalkeeping coach, Toni Tapalovic, during his time at Bayern. Many presume the wrinkled relationship between the two was never quite ironed out. It is thus highly unlikely that both, or even one of the conditions for that matter, will be met.
Considering all the moving parts that need to align for Neuer to return on top of the risk of a strained relationship with the manager, it may be wise keep Neuer off the roster for the harmony of the national team. However, anyone would be tempted considering Bayern captain’s impressive form this season.
Would you bring Neuer back to the German national team?
