Neuer for the World Cup? Baumann feels „very sorry“ for Hoeneß | OneFootball

The question of goalkeeping in the German national team continues to cause discussion shortly before the 2026 World Cup – and Bayern’s honorary president Uli Hoeneß has now intervened with clear but emotional words. The focus is on the possible return of Manuel Neuer to the DFB team and the associated situation of Oliver Baumann.

Hoeneß was basically open to a comeback of the Bayern captain in the national jersey. In the course of the championship celebration, he said:„If he and the national coach decided to do so, I would very much welcome that, even if I would feel sorry for Oliver Baumann.“

A possible return of Neuer would inevitably put the current regular goalkeeper Oliver Baumann in a difficult position. Baumann has established himself as a reliable solution in recent months and led the national team through the World Cup qualifiers. Nevertheless, he could lose his place again in the event of a Neuers comeback.

Hoeneß’s statements fit into an already heated environment. Following Neuer’s retirement after the 2024 European Championships at home, Baumann was considered a certainty, while Marc-André ter Stegen was ruled out through injury. But with Neuer’s continued strong form at FC Bayern and his recent extension until 2027, speculation about his return has flared up again.

Nagelsmann and Neuer dodge questions

Manuel Neuer himself dodged questions about the World Cup after the win against 1.FC Köln: „Ask the coach. It’s not an issue for me at the moment. The focus is on the DFB Cup final,“ explained Neuer. Oliver Baumann, on the other hand, still expects to travel to the World Cup as number 1.

„I don’t know whether he (Julian Nagelsmann) will say anything about it tonight(in the ZDF sports studio), I have no other information,“ he replied to the question of whether he will travel to the USA as number 1.

photo: Getty Images

But Nagelsmann also avoided making a clear statement: „I’m not talking about individual player names today. Everyone who has played a role during my tenure will get a call. I’m looking to talk to the player first, regardless of what his name is – that hasn’t happened yet. You can interpret everything. You’ll find out soon enough,“ said the national coach.

The issue is also particularly explosive due to the injury to Manuel Neuer announced by FC Bayern. The goalkeeper had to be substituted after 60 minutes against Cologne and will now have to take a shorter break due to muscular problems. It is still unclear when Neuer will be fit again.