Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer greets fans prior the Champions League semifinal second leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
BERLIN (AP) — Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been coaxed out of retirement for the World Cup by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.
The 40-year-old Neuer retired after the 2024 European Championship but was included in Nagelsmann’s 26-man squad on Thursday for the upcoming tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
His inclusion means a demotion for Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, who was assured he was the No. 1 until reports emerged in recent weeks that Nagelsmann was thinking about a Neuer recall. Up to last week, Baumann was saying his “current understanding” was that he’d be the starting goalkeeper at the World Cup.
“We told Oli in March that we had a meeting with Manu,” said Nagelsmann, who acknowledged Neuer’s return was “a blow” for the 35-year-old Baumann.
Asked about his communication with the players, Nagelsmann replied, “I ask for understanding that I can’t go into every detail from conversations. I try to explain a lot and take people with me. Some times I manage it less well, other times better. ... From Oli’s point of view there’s definitely some room for improvement.”
Baumann has shown over more than 500 Bundesliga appearances that he’s a team player, and he’s unlikely to let any personal disappointment have any impact on Germany’s chances of success.
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