- Draft: Goalkeeper Neuer persists in his professional journey with the DFB
Manuel Neuer (38) is reportedly set to carry on his stint in the German national football team, as per an article in "Bild" newspaper. Contrary to Toni Kroos (34), Thomas Müller (34), and former captain Ilkay Gundogan (33), who decided to hang up their boots following Germany's exit in the Euro quarter-finals at home, Neuer has chosen to press on. However, this news hasn't been authenticated yet.
The long-standing DFB captain left his post-Euro plans ambiguous after the 1:2 defeat against Spain on July 5 in Stuttgart. "I said I would ponder over it after the tournament," he stated.
Now, the 2014 World Cup champion intends to maintain his position as the primary goalkeeper, at least until the 2026 World Cup, aiming to represent Germany at the age of 40. Neuer is the last remnant of the 2014 World Cup-winning squad in the DFB team since Kroos and Müller's retirements.
Whether Neuer will make additional contributions to his current 124 international appearances is contingent upon Julian Nagelsmann, the national team coach. During the home Euro, Nagelsmann had announced his intentions to revitalize the DFB team in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Neuer might miss Germany's upcoming international matches against Hungary on September 7 in Düsseldorf and against the Netherlands in Amsterdam three days later, but a return later in the year is likely.
Competition for the starting spot with ter Stegen
Following his severe ski accident that resulted in a lower leg fracture post the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Nagelsmann had declared Neuer the number one goalkeeper again for the home Euro after his commendable comeback. The rivalry with perpetual backup Marc-André ter Stegen remains an ongoing challenge.
Neuer's contract with Bayern Munich expires on June 30, 2025. Concurrently, Kroos has decided to retire post-Euro, while Müller continues to play for Munich's side, similar to Neuer. Gundogan announced his departure from the national team on Monday but remains contracted with Barcelona.
Manuel Neuer's continued involvement with the German national football team is significant given his role in the 2014 World Cup-winning squad, making him the last remnant from that team in the current setup.
Despite Neuer's ambition to play until the 2026 World Cup, his participation in Germany's forthcoming matches against Hungary and the Netherlands might be delayed due to future plans being dependent on Julian Nagelsmann, the national team coach.