Manuel Neuer backed to make Germany return as Bayern Munich legend sees no other solution amid Marc-Andre ter Stegen injury absence

Amid Germany's ongoing goalkeeper debate, former German international Schweinsteiger has publicly advocated for a shock return for Neuer. Schweinsteiger made the comments ahead of Germany's World Cup qualifying match against Slovakia. The public discussion has been reignited due to a back injury that has sidelined Germany's regular number one, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has also lost his starting spot at Barcelona.

Speaking on ARD, Schweinsteiger was clear and direct about his solution to Germany's goalkeeping predicament, stating that there is only one logical choice in his opinion.

"When it comes to this topic, I always look around the world to see who has a German passport," he said. "And then I end up with Manuel Neuer. He recently demonstrated his exceptional performance at the Club World Cup. I would bring Manuel Neuer back, he has that certain aura. Once you've been a World Cup champion, you want to experience that feeling again. To have the chance to experience it a second and a third time."

The German Football Association (DFB) is facing a goalkeeper dilemma with the 2026 World Cup approaching. Ter Stegen's back surgery and a previous knee injury have severely limited his playing time, a situation made worse by him losing his first-team place at Barcelona. This has created an opportunity for others to stake a claim for the number one shirt.

While Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has stated that a fully fit and match-experienced Ter Stegen remains his first choice, the Barca keeper's long-term availability is now in doubt. This has led many, including Schweinsteiger, to look to Neuer, who officially retired from international football in the summer of 2024. Despite his age, Neuer has recently demonstrated his world-class form for Bayern Munich, most notably during the Club World Cup.

With Ter Stegen out for the foreseeable future, Nagelsmann has entrusted Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann to fill the goalkeeping void. However, the discussion surrounding Neuer's potential comeback is unlikely to go away, especially if Germany struggles in their upcoming qualifying matches.

Schweinsteiger's 2014 World Cup teammate retired from the German national team after 124 international appearances following the European Championship on home soil in the summer of 2024. Schweinsteiger does not believe it would be a problem to convince the Bayern captain to make a comeback: "He's fit, he plays at a top level – why not?"

Additional reporting by Falko Bloding.