"I have made my decision": Manuel Neuer publicly denies his agent's claim

In an interview, Manuel Neuer's agent raised the possibility of the goalkeeper returning to the German national team. However, the FC Bayern goalkeeper is clearly not considering this. He disagrees and makes it clear: Nothing will come of it.

Manuel Neuer has put to rest renewed speculation about a return to the national team for the 2026 World Cup. "But the fact is that I've decided not to play for the national team anymore," said the FC Bayern goalkeeper after the 5-0 (4-0) victory against Hamburger SV. When asked if he would definitely stick to this decision, the 2014 World Cup winner answered without hesitation: "Yes."

Neuer's agent, Thomas Kroth, recently raised fans' hopes of a return for the long-time DFB captain with statements. "He's in top shape, absolutely delivering. If Julian Nagelsmann sees a problem in that position, and Manuel is healthy and asked, then Manu certainly won't say no," Kroth told the Frankfurter Rundschau. Neuer, who will be 40 by the time of the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, explained when asked about the agent's statements: "We haven't discussed it."

Lothar Matthäus was surprised by the Bayern goalkeeper's clear statement. While denying himself the opportunity for a comeback shows a "clear stance," the record-cap international said, "on the other hand, it would have been another chance for him to show himself on the world stage." Neuer's participation in the World Cup is now virtually impossible. "All of Germany can ask him to do it—but he said no," Matthäus said. The 64-year-old finds it a shame, because: "He had a bit of a slump after his injury, but he's currently playing at a world-class level again."

The 39-year-old Neuer had essentially ended his international career last year after the European Championships at home. His successor, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, is out for months following back surgery. After years as a regular goalkeeper at FC Barcelona, ​​he faces a relegation role.

For the qualifying matches until November, national coach Julian Nagelsmann has named Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann as the starting point. The 35-year-old had already deputized for ter Stegen after his knee surgery, which caused him to miss a total of six Nations League matches.