“Wasn’t asked”
DFB comeback? New reacts to speculation
10.09.2025 – 5:59 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
A possible DFB comeback from Manuel Neuer remains the topic, because his advisor will attract attention. Now the keeper comments.
Manuel Neuer reacted to speculation about a return to the goal of the German national team. “At first I was not asked,” said the 2014 world champion at a master reception of Bayern with Prime Minister Markus Söder. His resignation from the DFB team last year was a “conscious decision”. “Accordingly, this is not in the room for me. I concentrate on the club, on Bayern Munich, we have enough to get there,” Neuer continued.
Previously, newer advisor Thomas Kroth fueled speculation. “He is in top shape, absolutely does his performance. If Julian Nagelsmann sees a problem in the position, Manuel is healthy and asked – then Manu will certainly not say no,” said Kroth of the “Frankfurter Rundschau”. When asked whether the captain of FC Bayern Munich was still good enough for the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico in the coming year, he said: “If I now give a clear answer, I’ll open a barrel.”
Neuer had actually ended his national team career last year after the home European Championship. His successor, Barça goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen, fails for months after a back operation. At FC Barcelona, after years as a trivial goalkeeper, he only threatens the reservist role. A change and the urgently needed game practice should be possible in January at the earliest. Again and again there are discussions about a possible comeback from Neuer.
These are currently fired again by Bavaria’s honorary president Uli Hoeneß. “The best people have to play at a World Cup. And Manuel is the best. That’s why he has to play there when he is healthy,” said Hoeneß in Munich.
Neuer himself had had a good time in the DFB jersey since 2009, got a lot and maybe also given something back, he added and concluded: “I am currently thinking about whether and how that could be that Manuel Neuer returns to the national team again.”
For the six qualification games until November, national coach Julian Nagelsmann Oliver Baumann from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim has appointed number one. The 35-year-old had already represented Ter Stegen after his knee surgery, through which he had missed a total of six caps in the Nations League.