In Bayern Munich’s recent 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, Manuel Neuer was the star of the match, saving the team from threats posed by Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. in particular.
Although the French forward managed to break through Neuer’s solid wall in the 74th minute, the 40-year-old goalkeeper played as he did in his prime, and that level of performance has sparked a major question in Germany: Should he return to the national team for the 2026 World Cup?
Neuer Reignites the Debate in Germany
Following his brilliant performance in the match on Monday, April 7, at the Santiago Bernabéu, the veteran goalkeeper demonstrated that his competitive edge remains intact. He has received widespread praise and was even named player of the match, generating excitement ahead of the World Cup.
The truth is that, with just a few months to go before the tournament kicks off in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Germany is approaching this edition eager to achieve good results following its consecutive first-round eliminations in 2018 and 2022.
Amid the DFB’s debate over the choice of starting goalkeeper, coach Julian Nagelsmann had initially opted for Oliver Baumann of Hoffenheim, but many experts are calling for the veteran Bayern goalkeeper to be called up.
However, when Neuer himself was asked by the press about a possible return to the German national team -from which he retired after the quarterfinal elimination at Euro 2024 against Spain and after nearly 15 years representing the team- he was clear.
The goalkeeper did not want to fuel the debate and maintains his stance of focusing exclusively on his club: “Do we want to bring this up now?” he asked the journalists present.
“As I’ve already said: we’re not going to bring this up now. Where did we play today? It was a sensational performance; we’re not talking about the national team here. I’ve already said what I had to say, and I’m focusing on FC Bayern,” he stated, putting an end to the debate.
Meanwhile, Neuer and Bayern Munich are preparing for the second leg, which will be played next Wednesday, April 15, at the Allianz Arena at 3:00 PM ET.
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