'He definitely sets the standard' - Manuel Neuer still among top three in the world as Bayern Munich legend earns 'world-class' praise from rival goalkeeper

Baumann has hailed Neuer as one of the top three goalkeepers in world football, asserting that the Bayern legend continues to set the standard for the position. Speaking in an interview with Sport Bild, Baumann, who has stepped in as Germany's current number one, praised the Bayern captain's enduring quality and character. Despite his retirement from international duty, Neuer’s club career shows no signs of slowing down. 

According to Bild, the veteran goalkeeper is now strongly considering extending his Bayern Munich contract beyond its current expiry date in June 2026. The decision reportedly rests entirely with the club captain, who remains a vital player under Vincent Kompany, having already kept three clean sheets in eight matches this season. While Neuer continuing would buy Bayern valuable time in their search for a long-term successor, it underscores his remarkable longevity and enduring importance to the Bavarian giants.

When asked if the Bayern captain is the best goalkeeper in the world again, Baumann offered high praise for his compatriot. "He might clash with one or two others, like Thibaut Courtois. But he definitely sets the standard; Manuel is one of the top three goalkeepers in the world," Baumann stated. He also complimented Neuer's personality, adding: "We have a very good relationship. I really appreciate how he's remained so human and down-to-earth as a world-class goalkeeper. Manu is above it all, both personally and athletically."

With Germany's established number one, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, currently sidelined with injury, some speculation had emerged about a potential return for Neuer ahead of the World Cup. Baumann, who has earned six caps for his country, quickly shut down the suggestions. 

"Are there so many calls? I didn't perceive them as that loud. And he himself denied it – so the matter is settled," the Hoffenheim keeper said. "For me, there's only one relevant question in this regard: What do the coaches think?"

Baumann's recent performances have seen him rewarded with the starting spot for Germany, an opportunity the 35-year-old is relishing after a long wait for his international debut. While he has enjoyed the experience and would "like to win more international caps," he affirmed his commitment to the team's success and promised to support Ter Stegen upon his return to fitness. He stressed his team-first mentality would prevent any public rivalries, stating that a vocal campaign like the one Jens Lehmann waged against Oliver Kahn in 2006 "would certainly not be Baumann-like."

While Neuer continues to receive plaudits, his international career, which ended with 124 caps in August 2024, is firmly in the past. His focus remains on captaining a dominant Bayern Munich side. For the German national team, Baumann is set to continue in goal for the next set of fixtures. The long-term plan still revolves around Ter Stegen, but national coach Julian Nagelsmann has made it clear that the Barcelona keeper must be playing regularly at club level to reclaim his undisputed number-one status.