Manuel Neuer must return to Germany for the World Cup, says Matthias Sammer

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer should return to the German national team for the World Cup in the summer because the veteran “is still exceptional,” said former national team player Matthias Sammer.

“Manuel is a world-class goalkeeper with tremendous charisma. What’s more, he has world-class character. Manuel is so good that you have to have him on your team. I can’t imagine a scenario in which he wouldn’t be an asset to the team. But he has to want it himself,” said Zammer to the weekly newspaper Sport Bild.

The 39-year-old Neuer retired from the national team after Euro 2024. He has stated several times that he will not return to the German national team. His successor as number 1, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, was out of action for months this season after back surgery, while Oliver Baumann of Hoffenheim played in all six World Cup qualifiers. Ter Stegen is no longer Barcelona‘s first-choice goalkeeper and left the team’s training camp in Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup match to undergo medical tests.