Matthäus is blunt: Neuer „could have skipped the World Cup“ | OneFootball

Manuel Neuer returned to the German national team roster ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, the FC Bayern goalkeeper was unable to make a significant impact. This only served to validate the critics’ views. 

For many, it was already a major talking point even before the World Cup that Neuer was returning and was set to be the number one again—especially after a season at FC Bayern that wasn’t exactly marked by brilliance.

The fact that Julian Nagelsmann—now the former German national team coach—brought this issue up was met with confusion. In hindsight, following the World Cup, it’s clear that while Neuer wasn’t to blame for the team’s elimination, he also didn’t do enough to keep the German team in the tournament.

Matthäus Speaks Plainly About Neuer’s Return

Now, record-holding national team player Lothar Matthäus has spoken out about Neuer’s return. In his BILD World Cup column, he discussed how he himself was still competing on the big stage at an advanced age and that it wasn’t always easy.

Photo: IMAGO

Matthäus concluded that he himself could have skipped the 2000 European Championship, in which he participated. He explained: “Manuel Neuer could have skipped this World Cup as well. In the end, it was much ado about nothing. Yes, he saved a penalty against Paraguay, and if things had gone well, he would have been a hero. But they didn’t go well.”

He continued: “Of course, what will always stand out from his career with the German national team is the 2014 World Cup title. And overall, the fact that he reinvented the goalkeeper’s role. He set the standard for how a goalkeeper should play, acting as the 11th field player, a sort of libero. And how quick he was in building up play. That hadn’t been done like that before him, which is another reason he was named World’s Best Goalkeeper five times. He’s a legend. Still, his career has a small blemish!”

At this point, it’s at least clear that Neuer will no longer play for the national team. At FC Bayern, he’ll remain in goal for another year following his contract extension, but will rotate with Jonas Urbig.