Neuer or ter Stegen in goal for Germany? Stats point to a clear winner | OneFootball

The discussion about Manuel Neuer is back. After statements from Uli Hoeneß, there is once again heated debate in Germany about whether the 39-year-old should return to the DFB goal. The bare numbers certainly speak clearly in favor of the FC Bayern captain.

Hoeneß emphasized earlier this week: “At a World Cup, the best have to play – and Manuel is the best.” A statement that caused quite a stir. But what do the performance statistics of the five-time World Goalkeeper of the Year really say?

In the 2025 calendar year, Neuer kept a clean sheet in 62 percent of his Bundesliga matches – the best rate of all Bundesliga goalkeepers. He also leads in goals conceded per 90 minutes, with 0.69, far ahead of Oliver Baumann (1.93).

It becomes even clearer with the so-called Expected-Goals-on-Target-conceded model: Here, Neuer prevented 2.64 more goals than would have been expected statistically. Only Augsburg’s Finn Dahmen (11.69) and Gladbach’s Moritz Nicolas (4.25) are ahead of him.

His save percentage is 71 percent – a figure surpassed only by Dahmen (77) and Cologne’s Marvin Schwäbe (75, though with less playing time).

Error-free and with strong presence

Photo: IMAGO

Remarkable: In 2025, Neuer did not concede a single goal due to his own mistake and did not make any errors leading directly to a shot. He also won all clearances outside the penalty area – proof that even at almost 40 years old, he still shines as a “sweeper-keeper.”

Added to this is his tremendous passing accuracy: 81 percent of his passes find a teammate, a top value among all Bundesliga goalkeepers with more than ten appearances.

Retirement from retirement?

Officially, Neuer ended his national team career after Euro 2024. He also recently stated: “It was a conscious decision that I am no longer involved. Accordingly, that is not up for discussion.”

And yet the debate remains alive. Because not only the numbers, but also aura, experience, and leadership qualities continue to speak for the Bayern captain. Should Marc-André ter Stegen continue to struggle with form and fitness issues, the pressure on national coach Julian Nagelsmann to bring Neuer back for the 2026 World Cup is likely to increase.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.