Germany boss contacts Manuel Neuer about potential national team comeback

Germany boss Rudi Völler has reportedly contacted Manuel Neuer and asked the veteran if he could imagine coming out of international retirement.

Manuel Neuer announced his international retirement following last year’s European Championship.

However, there has been speculation for months about a possible return to the German national team for the 39-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper.

Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann, 35, has been in goal for Germany in recent months, while No. 1 Marc-André ter Stegen has fallen out of favour at FC Barcelona and is currently sidelined with a long-term back injury

Sport Bild now reports that Germany’s sporting director, Rudi Völler, has contacted Neuer to see if he could imagine playing for Germany again if ter Stegen fails to secure a starting position at Barcelona or another club ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

According to the report, however, Julian Nagelsmann would need to personally reach out to Neuer and persuade him, and parts of the German Football Association are reportedly lobbying the Germany coach to do so.

Neuer has made a total of 124 appearances for Germany in his career.