\n
I<\/span>In Bayern Munich’s recent 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, Manuel Neuer was the star of the game, saving his side from the threats of Kylian Mbapp and Vinicius Junior in particular. <\/p>\nThe French forward managed to break through Neuer’s solid wall in the 74th minute, but the 40-year-old goalkeeper played like he did in his prime, and that level of performance has raised a big question in Germany – should he return to the national team for the 2026 World Cup?<\/p>\n
Neuer reignites debate in Germany<\/h2>\n
Following his excellent performance in the match at the Santiago Bernab on Monday, April 7, the veteran goalkeeper proved that his competitiveness remains intact. He was widely praised and named player of the match, sparking excitement ahead of the World Cup.<\/p>\n
Indeed, with only a few months left until tournaments begin in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Germany enters the tournament eager to make a strong showing after back-to-back first-round exits in 2018 and 2022.<\/p>\n
In the DFB’s debate over who should be the starting goalkeeper, coach Julian Nagelsmann initially chose Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann, but many experts are calling for Bayern’s veteran goalkeeper to be called up.<\/p>\n
However, when Neuer himself was asked by the press about the possibility of him returning to the German national team (he retired after the Euro 2024 quarter-final defeat to Spain, and retired after almost 15 years with the national team), he made the following statement: <\/p>\n
The goalkeeper does not want to stir up controversy and remains focused on the club, asking, “Do you want to bring this up now?” he asked reporters who were present. <\/p>\n
\n“As I said, we’re not going to bring this up now. Where did we play today? That was a sensational performance. We’re not talking about the national team here. We’ve already said what needs to be said and we’re focused on FC Bayern,” he said, putting an end to the debate.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Meanwhile, Neuer and Bayern Munich are preparing for the second leg next Wednesday, April 15th at 3pm ET at the Allianz Arena.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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