2026 World Cup: Germany recall 40-year-old Manuel Neuer as first-choice goalkeeper

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has come out of international retirement to be named in Germany’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, with manager Julian Nagelsmann saying the 40-year-old will be his team’s number one for the tournament.

Neuer, who helped Bayern win the Bundesliga title and reach the Champions League semi-finals this season, won the last of his 124 caps for his country in the Euro 2024 quarter-final loss to Spain.

Later announced He is wrapping up his international career, which included helping Germany win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

“Everybody knows that Manu has the aura and the quality, what he brings to a team,” Nagelsmann said.

“We plan on having him as our number one.”

Neuer has played in four World Cups and is the latest of the 40-and-over players selected for this summer’s tournament, which will be held across Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo (41), Croatia midfielder Luka Modric (40), Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon (43) and Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Edin Dzeko (40) have also been named in their national squads.