Neuer, 40: Germany's World Cup Genius or Just a Gamble?

Germany. Two World Cups. Two group-stage exits since winning it all in 2014. Now, the 2026 campaign kicks off. Who's back? Manuel Neuer. A shock recall from Julian Nagelsmann, despite the guy stepping away from international football after Euro 2024. Or so we thought.

This comeback? Not smooth. Oliver Baumann had the top spot. He was displaced. "Not exactly cool," Baumann admitted. Still, he pledged full commitment to the squad. Neuer picked up a calf injury. Baumann got to shine in two warm-ups. Didn't matter. Nagelsmann confirmed the 40-year-old veteran starts against Curacao. Germany's opener.

Even Thomas Müller, Neuer's Bayern Munich teammate forever, weighed in. The pick made sense on the pitch, he said. But the manager's "communication was questionable." Says it all, doesn't it?

It's not just about the name. Neuer's actually *still* got it. He's swept up attacks 135 times in the Champions League since 2010. That's more than double anyone else. His form in Bayern's Champions League semi-final against eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain? Good enough to secure a new deal. Strong enough to push for this Germany return.

Benedikt Höwedes, a 2014 World Cup mate, isn't holding back. "Manuel Neuer is still the best goalkeeper in the world," he declared. It's more than technique, Höwedes added. It's that psychological edge. Over opponents. The confidence he gives his backline.

This will be Neuer's fifth World Cup as Germany's number one.