Manuel Neuer, the veteran goalkeeper, has decided to return to the German national team for the 2026 World Cup. His decision follows discussions with coach Julian Nagelsmann, with whom he previously worked at Bayern, and marks a reversal of his earlier choice to cease playing for the national team after Euro 2024, which was held on home soil.

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer during a German national team training session at the DFB Campus in Frankfurt, Germany on 1/6, preparing for the 2026 World Cup. Photo: *Reuters*.

At a press conference on 18/6, Neuer explained his reasoning for the comeback. "I left the national team for good reasons", he stated. "Continuing for two more years would have been a significant professional burden. Subsequently, the head coach and I spoke. This time, similar to 2014, I faced some physical issues, but I had more time to recover and prepare for my return".

The Bayern goalkeeper also addressed his enduring influence in the locker room and the leadership image that has defined his career. He believes his presence remains beneficial to the German national team, providing a sense of security as teammates know there is always someone trustworthy behind them.

At the age of 40, Neuer continues to be a pivotal player. He appeared in 36 matches across all competitions, helping Bayern secure three domestic titles – the Bundesliga, the National Cup, and the German Super Cup – during the 2025-2026 season. The goalkeeper, born in 1986, revealed his secret to longevity lies in fundamental elements: "It is important to get enough sleep and maintain a proper diet. You must sustain peak physical condition and performance when playing matches every three days".

Neuer firmly believes the German national team's strength comes from its fighting spirit and its ability to maintain high intensity. He expressed collective confidence that the current squad can ultimately win the 2026 World Cup. "If I didn't believe, I wouldn't be here", he emphasized. "Every national team is different. In tournaments like this, it is crucial to run an extra meter and compete more fiercely in every challenge. If you can maintain high intensity, you can achieve a great deal. Germany currently possesses those qualities".

Neuer's international career began with appearances for the U19, U20, and U21 teams before his first senior call-up for an Asia tour in 5/2009. He was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw against Trung Quoc on 29/5/2009, and made his debut playing the full 90 minutes in a 7-2 victory over UAE in Dubai on 2/6/2009. Since then, Neuer has played 125 matches, participating in 4 World Cups and 4 Euros, with the highlight being winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. From 9/2016, he became captain of the German national team after Bastian Schweinsteiger retired from international football. Neuer confirmed he will retire from the national team after the 2026 World Cup.

Hong Duy (according to *AS*)