“Still the best”
Andi Köpke raves about Manuel Neuer
May 4, 2026 – 9:27 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
The debate about Manuel Neuer’s possible World Cup comeback is picking up speed again – and a former companion is chiming in with a clear assessment.
Former national goalkeeping coach Andreas Köpke would like Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer to return to the national team. “No one knows whether anything else will happen. The simple fact is that normally the best should play at the World Cup,” said the 64-year-old at an event organized by 1. FC Nürnberg and supplier Adidas in Scheinfeld. He also explained: “Manu is still the best. My personal opinion: I would like him to play again. But I don’t believe it.”
Neuer resigned from the national team after the 2024 European Championship at home. National coach Julian Nagelsmann then appointed Marc-André ter Stegen as number one, but he was out injured for a long time. Oliver Baumann is now considered a candidate for the role at the World Cup.
Nevertheless, after Neuer’s strong performances, a discussion arose again recently. Köpke said: “Basically, everything has been said on the subject. You can always rehash it. Manu has actually made himself clear, Nagelsmann has made himself clear.”
Neuer himself had classified the speculation a few weeks ago in the ZDF sports studio: “There will be the World Cup, but I’m not in there at the moment and I’m not part of it at all and that’s why I’m watching it from the outside in a relaxed manner.” Nagelsmann wants to name his squad for the tournament on May 21st, the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico runs from June 11th to July 19th.
