Neuer recalled as Germany number one for fifth World Cup at 40 | OneFootball

Manuel Neuer has been brought out of international retirement and reinstated as Germany’s number one for a fifth World Cup at 40.

The decision was confirmed on Thursday as Germany named their 26 players for the tournament, according to L'Équipe. Julian Nagelsmann has again turned to a 2014 world champion, echoing Toni Kroos’s earlier return for Euro 2024 after initially stepping away.

Nagelsmann said the aim with goalkeepers was to pick the three best available, so he asked Neuer if he wished to come back. Neuer is described as determined to play another tournament, and Germany plan to rely on him as first choice with a world-class alternative in reserve.

The call hurts Oliver Baumann, 35, who started all six World Cup qualifiers for Germany. He made no decisive errors but could not displace memories of Neuer, who has regained form with Bayern Munich and recently extended his contract by one year. Nagelsmann told Baumann in March that talks with Neuer had taken place, admitted the decision was a blow, and stressed he did not want Baumann to feel devalued.

Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury issues have limited his challenge for the shirt. The move also reflects Germany’s broader search for leaders after 2014, having suffered group-stage exits at the past two World Cups. The selected goalkeepers are Baumann, Neuer and Alexander Nübel.

Source: L'Équipe