Manuel Neuer responds to Germany return talk amid pressure to end international retirement for World Cup amid Marc-Andre ter Stegen injury

Neuer has shut down talk of an immediate return to the German national team despite calls for him to end his international retirement. The 2014 World Cup winner stepped away from international duty in August 2024 after making 124 appearances, but speculation about a comeback has intensified following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injury. While the Bayern Munich goalkeeper did not completely rule out the 2026 World Cup, Neuer stressed that he is not thinking about a return right now. 

The debate has flared up after Ter Stegen underwent back surgery that will keep him sidelined for several months. The Barcelona goalkeeper has also lost his starting spot at club level with the arrival of Joan Garcia, leaving Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann in a difficult position. Oliver Baumann has stepped in as a reliable option, but questions remain about whether the 2014 World Cup winners need more experience in goal.

Neuer’s agent, Thomas Kroth, earlier fueled speculation by insisting the veteran remains in top shape and would not turn down a call if asked. Former German international Bastian Schweinsteiger also backed the idea of a shock return for the 39-year-old.

"First of all, I wasn't asked. It was a conscious decision on my part to leave the national team and retire," Neuer said on Wednesday at a reception at the Bavarian State Chancellery in Munich. "So it's not even an option for me."

However, the Bayern Munich legend did not completely rule out a return for the 2026 World Cup, and said: "I had a very successful and enjoyable time, and I'm not currently thinking at all about whether and how I could return to the national team. I have been with the team since 2009, and with the European Championship, it was a nice conclusion. I think I got a lot out of German football and maybe also gave German football a little something."

For now, Neuer’s retirement stands, but Germany’s unsettled goalkeeper situation, which was made worse by their recent 2-0 loss to Slovakia, could keep the debate alive. The defeat has only added pressure on Nagelsmann as he looks for stability ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. The Germany boss has committed to Ter Stegen as his No. 1, but with the Barcelona keeper sidelined and Baumann still trying to prove himself at the international level, the calls for Neuer’s return are unlikely to fade anytime soon.