A historic World Cup night! Manuel Neuer breaks several records | OneFootball

Manuel Neuer is back on the biggest stage in world soccer—and is making history right away. The FC Bayern captain is not only celebrating his comeback in the German national team’s World Cup opener against Curaçao, but is also setting several historic records.

After his recent persistent calf problems, Manuel Neuer returns to the German national team’s goal just in time for the start of the World Cup. National team coach Julian Nagelsmann immediately puts his trust in the 40-year-old and relies on his most experienced player in the first group stage match against Curaçao.

His nomination alone had already sparked debate. With his performance, however, Neuer now delivers the perfect response—and creates several historic moments in the process.

Neuer ties Matthäus’ record

For the Bayern captain, the 2026 World Cup marks his fifth appearance in a final tournament. Following South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022, the next chapter of his extraordinary career is now unfolding.

With this, Neuer ties with Lothar Matthäus. Before him, only Germany’s record international had participated in five World Cups.

This milestone alone underscores the goalkeeper’s extraordinary longevity; he has been one of the defining figures of German soccer for more than a decade and a half.

With his appearance against Curaçao, Neuer also set another record.

At exactly 40 years, two months, and 19 days, the Bayern keeper is the oldest German player ever to appear in a World Cup.

In doing so, he surpasses numerous German legends and sets a new standard for longevity at the highest level.

What is particularly remarkable is that, despite his age, Neuer remains the undisputed number one and plays a central role for both FC Bayern and the national team.

World Cup record for goalkeepers within reach

Photo: Getty Images

But that’s not all. The match against Curaçao will also mark Neuer’s 20th World Cup appearance. With this milestone, he will tie France’s legendary goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who previously held the record for the most World Cup appearances by a goalkeeper.

As early as the next group stage match against Ivory Coast, Neuer could take sole possession of the record and definitively claim the top spot on this special list.

These records once again highlight the stature Neuer enjoys in international soccer. The 2014 World Cup champion has been one of the most successful and influential goalkeepers of his generation for years.

After a strong season with FC Bayern, the veteran now wants to make a splash once again with the German national team.

For Julian Nagelsmann, one thing is clear: in addition to his athletic qualities, Neuer brings above all experience, leadership, and authority to a team that many experts consider a dark horse for the World Cup title.

With his comeback against Curaçao, Neuer is now setting out to chase more records—and possibly the second World Cup title of his career.