Legendary German footballer Lothar Matthäus praises Manuel Neuer’s performance against Real Madrid, saying he belongs in Germany’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Lothar Matthäus, the former Bayern Munich and Germany star, has heaped praise on goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, saying he belongs in Germany’s 2026 World Cup squad. Neuer’s impressive display against Real Madrid, earning him man of the match, has sparked debate about his potential return to the national team.
🚨✨ Manuel Neuer, UEFA Man of the Match at 40 years old at the Bernabéu.
Legend. 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/vQWpB7W4kU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 7, 2026
Matthäus told the media “This Neuer is world-class, he belongs in the national team. I hope Nagelsmann watches the game.” However, he acknowledged it’s probably an unrealistic dream, given Neuer’s announced retirement from the national team in August 2024.
Neuer himself has quashed rumors of a comeback, stating his focus is on Bayern Munich. “Should we bring that topic up again now? No, it’s important that we won this match at the Bernabéu… Everything else is irrelevant to me right now,” he said.
Matthäus agrees, saying Julian Nagelsmann isn’t planning a comeback for the 2014 World Cup winner. “I would indeed like to see Manuel Neuer in this form at the World Cup. But I also know that won’t happen,” he added. The matter seems settled from the DFB’s perspective, with Nagelsmann not expected to open the door for Neuer’s return. Neuer’s focus remains on Bayern Munich, and he’s keeping his options open.
