Matthäus calls for Neuer's Germany return but World Cup return unlikely
Former Germany captain Lothar Matthäus has called for Manuel Neuer to be included in the national team for the 2026 World Cup, though he admits the prospect is unrealistic. The former Bayern Munich star made the comments following Neuer's man-of-the-match performance in Bayern's 2-1 Champions League victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Matthäus, speaking to Sky Austria, was effusive in his praise for the 38-year-old goalkeeper. "This Neuer is world-class, he belongs in the national team. I hope [national team coach] Julian Nagelsmann watches the game," Matthäus said, according to a report by Sport Bild. The 63-year-old, who holds the record for Germany caps, was impressed by Neuer's performance in Madrid, which included a crucial penalty save.
Despite his public appeal, Matthäus conceded that a return for the 2014 World Cup winner is highly improbable. When asked by Sport Bild, Matthäus clarified his position, stating, "I would indeed like to see Manuel Neuer in this form at the World Cup. But I also know that won't happen. Julian Nagelsmann won't open that door. And that's why Manuel's words about retiring remain set in stone." The 63-year-old thus confirmed that, from the perspective of the German Football Association (DFB) and the national team coach, the matter is considered closed, with Nagelsmann not planning a recall.
Neuer, who announced his international retirement in August 2024, was unequivocal about his own stance following the match at the Santiago Bernabéu. When asked about a potential return for the 2026 World Cup, the Bayern captain dismissed the speculation. "Should we bring that topic up again now?" Neuer responded. "No, it's important that we won this match at the Bernabéu with FC Bayern and that we try to confirm that in the return leg. That's what's crucial, and everything else is irrelevant to me right now. We're not talking about the national team. I've said my piece, everything's relaxed, I'm concentrating on FC Bayern here."
The 40-year-old's stellar form for Bayern this season has inevitably fueled discussion about his international future, especially with Germany hosting the 2024 European Championship this summer. However, his firm stance and Nagelsmann's apparent position suggest the door to the national team is firmly closed. Neuer's focus appears solely on Bayern Munich's quest for a 12th consecutive Bundesliga title and a deep run in the Champions League, with the second leg against Real Madrid on the horizon. His performance in Madrid served as a powerful reminder of his enduring quality, even as the chapter of his international career appears definitively closed.
