Oliver Baumann has revealed that former Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann apologised for dropping him right before the 2026 World Cup. The 36-year-old goalkeeper was expected to start after playing throughout qualifying but was benched when Manuel Neuer came out of international retirement prior to Germany’s round-of-32 exit.
Bayern Munich and Germany legend Manuel Neuer has confirmed that his illustrious career is likely reaching its final chapter. The veteran goalkeeper, who has defined the modern "sweeper-keeper" role, admitted that he expects to hang up his gloves when his current contract expires in 2027.
Manuel Neuer has insisted he holds no regrets over his decision to come out of international retirement, despite Germany suffering a shock exit from the World Cup. The legendary goalkeeper returned to the fold for one final tournament only to see Die Mannschaft eliminated in the round of 32 by Paraguay, resulting in his second retirement from the national team.
Manuel Neuer has refused to accept responsibility for Germany's decisive goal in a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, despite heavy criticism from the media and former players. The Bayern Munich star defended his positioning, while Julian Nagelsmann backed his goalkeeper as questions over Germany's No.1 intensified.
Manuel Neuer has confirmed that he will step away from Germany national team duty for a second time following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. The legendary Bayern Munich goalkeeper, who reversed his initial retirement decision to join Julian Nagelsmann’s squad for this summer's tournament, is aiming to end his illustrious international career by lifting a second world title.
Julian Nagelsmann has dropped a selection bombshell ahead of Germany’s 2026 World Cup opener against Curacao by confirming Manuel Neuer will start in goal. The veteran Bayern Munich shot-stopper is set to make his first appearance for Die Mannschaft in two years as they begin their campaign in Houston.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be a historic tournament, unlike any that have come before it. Expanded to 48 teams for the first time and spread across three countries - the United States, Canada and Mexico - it promises to be the biggest spectacle in the competition’s near-100-year history.
Manuel Neuer's return and Oliver Baumann's demotion, coming just days before the World Cup, had been the dominant talking points surrounding the DFB team for weeks. Now Thomas Müller has also spoken out.
National goalkeeper Oliver Baumann (36) has opened up about his feelings, explaining that being demoted to second choice in the DFB squad was initially hard to take.
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