Manuel Neuer’s return to the German national team seems to be a done deal – and apparently it wasn’t just Julian Nagelsmann and the DFB who played a decisive role
As reported by Sport BILD, several leading players in the national team are said to have lobbied hard internally for the Bayern captain’s comeback, with Neuer’s strong performances in the Champions League in particular adding weight to the supporters‘ arguments
Especially in the quarter-final against Real Madrid and throughout the knockout phase of the Champions League, the 40-year-old once again proved that he can still perform at an absolute world-class level, according to DFB insiders
Bayern colleagues are said to have convinced Neuer
Particularly interesting: There is also said to have been great pressure from the Bayern squad for a DFB comeback
Several Munich team-mates are said to have actively encouraged Neuer to reconsider his retirement from the national team, with the prospect of another World Cup playing a major role internally
Neuer apparently also received support from his private circle, with his family said to have expressly supported both the contract extension at FC Bayern and a possible participation in the World Cup
According to the report, the new development was only brought to the DFB’s attention afterwards
Little contact between Neuer and Nagelsmann for a long time
Up until this point, the exchange between Julian Nagelsmann and Neuer is said to have been almost completely dormant for months
With the Bayern keeper’s strong performances in the second half of the season, however, the situation apparently changed fundamentally. Phone calls between the two sides increased significantly and the possibility of a return was discussed intensively within the DFB
According to information from the national team, there was finally a consensus within the coaching team that Neuer’s willingness to take part in the World Cup would open up a completely new sporting option
In the end, the decision was apparently made internally to bring Manuel Neuer back as number 1 for the 2026 World Cup
Oliver Baumann is said to have already been informed of this, but the Hoffenheim keeper will still travel to the World Cup as a substitute keeper
The final confirmation should now only be a formality. Julian Nagelsmann will present his official World Cup squad on Thursday – with Manuel Neuer once again as Germany’s number 1.