FC Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has shown fluctuating performances recently. It is surprising that there is still discussion about his return to the national team for the 2026 World Cup. Neuer himself made something clear after the win against FC St. Pauli.
Manuel Neuer pointed to that FC Bayern beat FC St. Pauli 3-1 Speculation about a national team comeback returns. The 39-year-old also left his future open beyond the end of the season. “The fact is, of course, that I resigned intentionally. For me, the focus is clearly on the club,” said Neuer on the TV channel Sky.
Given the long-term injury to Barça keeper Marc-André ter Stegen, there has been speculation for some time about Neuer’s possible World Cup comeback. Ter Stegen is currently represented in the DFB team by Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann.
Thomas Helmer: Neuer’s return to the DFB is conceivable
Thomas Helmer had previously said in the program “Today in the Stadium” on Bayern 1 that he did not currently see the goalkeeper position at the DFB as critical. You have to “pay a compliment” to Oliver Baumann, says Helmer: “He’s done it very, very well so far. That’s why I’m not afraid or anxious.”
And yet he does not consider a return of the 2014 world champion to be out of the question. He would “not completely throw the idea of Manuel overboard. But interpersonal relationships sometimes also play a role,” said Helmer, indicating that the relationship between Neuer and national coach Julian Nagelsmann is not considered the best.
“Manuel Neuer is above everything”
The current discussions about a return to the DFB selection are also surprising because Neuer hasn’t always been error-free recently. During FC Bayern’s defeat at Arsenal FC The 39-year-old didn’t look good twice – for example when he flew past a corner at 0-1 or later at 1-3 when he stood far in front of his goal and didn’t get to the ball in time.
There was no criticism of his number one from coach Kompany and ex-FC Bayern professional Helmer also sees “no discussion about Manu”. That Neuer’s latest mistakes – He also didn’t look good when he conceded a goal at Union Berlin – is discussed is surprising for Helmer: “It’s so noticeable because he once made a mistake. That actually never happens.”
The former Munich player is convinced that Neuer’s performance in the team didn’t play a role. “I also think that nobody at Bayern said anything about it. Manu is always very self-critical. I think he is above everything when it comes to the goalkeeper position.”
Kompany: New one is in Cup round of 16 in the goal
For FC Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, there is no discussion about who is number one in goal. “Manu is back in goal,” said the Belgian with a view to the DFB Cup round of 16 next Wednesday (8:45 p.m.) at Bundesliga rivals 1. FC Union Berlin. “We haven’t had any discussions about a cup goalkeeper,” added the Bayern coach when asked about Jonas Urbig’s further appearance. The 22-year-old goalkeeper should get more playing time as the season progresses.
Neuer: no decision yet about the end of his career
The youngster may have to be patient next season. Because Neuer left it open in the evening whether he might stick around for another season: he doesn’t know that yet, said the captain, who probably doesn’t want to make a decision until March. “The decisive factor will be how I feel – especially in the second half of the season. I have to think about what happens next.”
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Source: Today in the stadium November 29th, 2025 – 3:05 p.m
