There are few records left to break in Manuel Neuer’s career, but his surprise return to the Germany squad for the 2026 World Cup has taken him to new milestones.
By scoring in goal during Germany’s 7–1 victory over Curaçao, Neuer has now made five World Cup appearances, equaling Lothar Matthäus’ German record. His appearance also made him the oldest German international ever, aged 40 years and 79 days, breaking the record previously held by Matthäus (39 years and 91 days). The game was also his 20th World Cup appearance, bringing him level with former French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris as the goalkeeper with most tournament appearances.
Neuer later said, “You either love football or you don’t and that’s why it’s really special for me to start this tournament with the team.” “I really wanted to be the guy between the posts. It felt good to be on the pitch with the team.”
Neuer was rarely called into action against Curaçao, but he was disappointed by the goals he conceded.
“If it had not deflected, I would have saved it. I would have preferred to keep it out,” the keeper later said.
back from retirement
The 2014 World Cup winner is two years older than head coach Julian Nagelsmann, but the Germany coach had no hesitation in asking the great keeper if he wanted to come out of retirement.
Nagelsmann said of the decision, “He doesn’t need time to establish himself at this age. He knows how to handle high-pressure situations.” The 38-year-old also received support from German Football Association (DFB) sporting director Rudi Völler. “He also knows most of the players at Bayern Munich. He has been there for so long; he has no problem with anything,” the 66-year-old added.
All eyes are on Neuer
Discussions about the “world’s best goalkeeper” and the health of his calf dominated the headlines in the days before Germany’s World Cup opener. For a long time, it was unclear whether the keeper would be fit in time, given the injury Neuer suffered in the recently concluded Bundesliga season. He arrived at the tournament having not played in Germany’s final two warm-up matches against Finland and the United States.
Oliver Baumann remained number one during the World Cup qualifiers and performed strongly. The Hoffenheim goalkeeper was destined to become Germany’s number one, but things fell apart when Neuer returned.
“Of course, it was hard in the beginning. It didn’t feel very good, to be honest,” Baumann admitted after the final World Cup practice match against the United States. “But I knew right away that I was going to be there for the team and travel.”
protector with an aura
However, there are risks to Neuer’s return. Due to his injury, the keeper rejoined team training earlier in the week in preparation for the Germany opener. Given Neuer’s injury history potential re-injury had to be avoided at all costs – calf problems had already forced him to miss three injury-related layoffs during the season just concluded.
Apart from his undeniable ability on the field, there is another psychological factor that could prove beneficial for Germany: the 40-year-old’s aura.
“He has this special presence and this special aura,” defensive leader Jonathan Tah explained. Captain Joshua Kimmich was certain that Neuer was “the best goalkeeper of all time”.
The two have played together at record-holding German champions Bayern Munich for eleven years and know each other well. That’s why the current Germany captain never doubted that Neuer would return to the team, provided he is fit.
“We have the World Cup coming up and the best players have to play,” Kimmich said.
A ‘goat’ goalkeeper
For many Germany fans, the excitement of seeing Neuer in action again began long before the game in Houston. A week earlier, in summer-like temperatures, about 3,000 fans gathered on the grounds of Wake Forest University to watch Germany’s public training session.
Everyone wanted to see head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team and one player, in particular, was the center of attention: Neuer.
“Neur has won our hearts. I have confidence in the team and hope they go far,” Chris said.
And who knows what decisions Manuel Neuer will make after the World Cup and what records he will be eyeing next. For teammate Kai Havertz, at least, one thing is certain: “If he’s 70 and still wants to play for the national team, he’ll still make the team.”
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