Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer has addressed speculation about a potential return to the Germany national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Germany are in danger of missing out on next summer’s World Cup, sitting down in third, behind Northern Ireland and Slovakia in group A of the qualifiers.
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Neuer, 39, retired from international football in August 2024 after making 124 appearances, but speculation is mounting over a potential return.
New number one Marc-Andre ter Stegen is out with a lengthy injury having recently undergone surgery on an ongoing back problem.
The veteran ‘keeper has since addressed the rumours, stating he isn’t currently thinking about making his return, but didn’t completely rule it out.
“First of all, I wasn’t asked. It was a conscious decision on my part to leave the national team and retire,” Neuer said on at the Bavarian State Chancellery in Munich. “So it’s not even an option for me.
“I had a very successful and enjoyable time, and I’m not currently thinking at all about whether and how I could return to the national team.
“I have been with the team since 2009, and with the European Championship, it was a nice conclusion. I think I got a lot out of German football and maybe also gave German football a little something.”
