For months, the goalkeeping issue in the national team has been a topic of conversation. Regular goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is out injured, his comeback is open. FC Barcelona even reportedly want to part ways with him – it is unclear whether the 33-year-old will play regularly again until the 2026 World Cup.
Oliver Baumann is currently in the DFB goal, but many fans and experts still believe that Neuer’s comeback is realistic. The 39-year-old has been in outstanding form at FC Bayern, apart from his recent slip-up against Union Berlin.
Goretzka: „Manu has ended his career in the DFB team“
In an interview with sport.de, however, Leon Goretzka was sceptical. The midfielder and Neuer are close friends – both come from the Ruhr region and once played for Schalke 04. „Manu has finished his career as a national goalkeeper, so I don’t think he’ll be involved now,“ said Goretzka.
A clear statement – and it coincides with Neuer’s own stance. The Bayern captain had recently emphasized: „The fact is that I have decided not to play for the national team anymore.“ When asked whether this decision was final, he replied briefly and concisely: „Yes!“
DFB internally divided – Nagelsmann keeps option open
However, things don’t seem to be quite so clear in the background. According to information from BILD, there are voices at the DFB who want to urge Julian Nagelsmann to talk to Neuer – in case ter Stegen is not fit for action until the spring.
The national coach himself recently said: „Things can always happen in soccer that require certain measures. As of today, this is not the case. I am in good contact with all the protagonists. I cannot predict what the future will bring.“
Former DFB legends also disagree. Like Goretzka, Sepp Maier does not believe he will return: „You’ll have to ask Manuel first if he still wants to. I don’t think so – he’s finished with the national team.“
Former goalkeeping coach Andy Köpke, on the other hand, says: „If the best player is to play, then clearly yes. We should wait and see what happens with Marc-André ter Stegen.“