According to Sky Sports, coach Julian Nagelsmann held direct discussions with Neuer recently before making his decision.
Previously, journalist Christian Falk revealed on the Bayern Insider podcast that Nagelsmann was considering calling up four goalkeepers for the 2026 World Cup.
A similar scenario occurred at Euro 2024, when Neuer, Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nubel, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen were all named in the preliminary squad. Nubel was later dropped when Germany finalized its official roster.
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Manuel Neuer retrieves the ball during Germany's Euro 2016 qualifier against Poland in Frankfurt, Germany on 4/9/2015. *Photo: Reuters*
If Neuer makes the final squad for the 2026 World Cup, Nagelsmann will likely have to adjust the role of Oliver Baumann, who is currently considered Germany's number mot goalkeeper. Regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the team's history, Neuer is unlikely to accept a backup role.
Neuer played for the U19, U20, and U21 teams before receiving his first call-up to the German national team for an Asian tour in 5/2009. He was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw against Trung Quoc on 29/5, and made his debut playing the full 90 minutes in a 7-2 victory over UAE in Dubai on 2/6.
Since then, the goalkeeper born in 1986 has played 124 matches, participating in four World Cups and four Euros, with the highlight being winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. From 9/2016, Neuer became captain of the German national team after Bastian Schweinsteiger retired from international play. The goalkeeper stopped playing for the national team after Euro 2024, which was hosted at home.
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Neuer extended his contract with Bayern Munich on 15/5/2026. *Photo: FC Bayern*
In addition to his potential return to the German national team, Neuer also recently extended his contract with Bayern Munich for them mot year, marking his 16th season with the club, known as "Hum Xam".
According to Bild, Bayern's management decided to retain Neuer following his consistent performance, especially in the Champions League. Beyond his professional skills, the 40-year-old goalkeeper also serves as a leader in the locker room.
Bayern's plan is to continue using Neuer as their number mot, while also having him mentor young goalkeeper Jonas Urbig, the 22-year-old talent considered the club's future.
Joining Bayern in 2011, Neuer has won 13 Bundesliga titles and hai Champions League trophies. On the day of his contract extension, the German goalkeeper stated that he remains highly motivated to play and believes Bayern is capable of competing for all titles next season.
Hong Duy
