Matthias Sammer is clearly in favor of a World Cup comeback for Manuel Neuer. The Bayern keeper would do the DFB team good
Hardly any other topic polarizes the German national team as much as the goalkeeper issue. Although Manuel Neuer announced his retirement from the DFB team after the home European Championship, the debate about a possible comeback for the 2026 World Cup continues. Now Matthias Sammer, a prominent advocate, has spoken out – and he has clear words
Sammer still sees Neuer at world-class level
In an interview with Sport BILD, the former Bayern sports director and current BVB advisor made it unmistakably clear that he still considers Manuel Neuer to be indispensable. „Manuel is a world-class goalkeeper with world-class charisma. He also has a world-class character,“ enthused Sammer. For him, there is hardly a scenario in which the 39-year-old would not help the team
„Manuel is so good that you have to take him with you. I can’t see any situation in which he wouldn’t be good for the group,“ Sammer continued. At the same time, however, he emphasised that a comeback would depend solely on Neuer’s own decision. The Bayern captain would have to want to go down this path himself – everything else was secondary
DFB still without a clear number 1
After Neuer’s retirement, the path for Marc-André ter Stegen seemed clear, but ongoing injury problems, the temporary loss of his starting place at FC Barcelona and new setbacks have thrown the DFB’s plans into disarray. A possible winter switch to secure his World Cup chances was on the cards, but could now be a thing of the past
Instead, the focus has shifted to Oliver Baumann, who has recently taken on the role of No. 1. Although the Hoffenheim man has impressed with stable performances, he does not have the standing, aura or international experience of Manuel Neuer
This is precisely where Neuer’s argument comes in. In a tournament that thrives on pressure, expectations and extreme situations, a player like Neuer can make the decisive difference – both athletically and mentally. Whether a return will actually happen remains to be seen. Neuer has ruled out this scenario himself in recent weeks, but rumour has it that the 39-year-old would not be averse to a call-up from Nagelsmann.
