Manuel Neuer’s comeback to the German national team shortly before the 2026 World Cup sparked heated discussions even before the tournament began. Now, further details are emerging that show just how controversial the decision apparently was, even within the DFB.
Former national team coach Julian Nagelsmann caused quite a stir with the Bayern captain’s surprise return shortly before the tournament began. While many fans and experts welcomed the experienced goalkeeper as an additional source of stability, Neuer ultimately fell short of the high expectations at the World Cup.
Even against underdog Curaçao, the 40-year-old let the first shot on goal get past him. Germany also conceded early goals against both Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Before the second goal against Ecuador, Neuer also came under criticism after the ball was deflected away from him just before it reached his hand. The Bayern keeper himself firmly rejected the accusations at the time, stating that this was “by no means” a goalkeeper’s mistake.
Although Neuer briefly demonstrated his class once again during the penalty shootout in the Round of 32 against Paraguay by stopping a shot, even he could do nothing to prevent the bitter World Cup exit.
The decision to recall him caused internal friction
As ran reported, the decision to bring Neuer back to the national team is said to have caused considerable tension within the squad.
According to the report, goalkeeper coach Andreas Kronenberg even threatened to resign. The background to this was that Nagelsmann had apparently made the decision to bring Neuer back without prior consultation. Previously, Oliver Baumann had reportedly been assured of the role as the starting goalkeeper and Alexander Nübel of the position as backup goalkeeper.
Dispute over Nübel and Urbig?
Another passage in the report is particularly explosive. According to ran, Neuer reportedly made his return contingent on Alexander Nübel not being included in the World Cup squad and Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig being nominated as the third goalkeeper instead.
According to the report, a compromise was ultimately reached: Urbig traveled to the World Cup as the fourth goalkeeper, while Nübel was demoted despite his previous prospects. The relationship between Neuer and Nübel is said to have remained tense afterward.