Manuel Neuer might not be playing for the German national team anymore, but that certainly does not take anything away from his pedigree amongst the world’s greatest goalkeepers. There were rumors circulating that the Bayern Munich captain could potentially make a return to Die Mannschaft ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, but the keeper himself has quelled all of that speculation by saying that definitely won’t happen.
Before retiring from the national team
last year, Neuer stood between the sticks 124 times having made his debut back in 2009 with his crowning achievement having been a part of the 2014 World Cup winning side in Brazil alongside all of his club achievements with Bayern. Quite arguably, he was snubbed in the 2014 Ballon d’Or rankings as he could not have won more as a keeper during Bayern’s 2013 treble season as he finished third behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo that year. To date, Fabio Cannavaro taking the crown in 2006 is the last time a non-attacking player has been given the Ballon d’Or.
TSG Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann has been the main man in goal for Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany side during the last couple of international breaks in what’s been a changing of the guard of sorts ever since Neuer has retired. Despite no longer being involved with the national team, Baumann recently said that he still feels Neuer is among the top three keepers in the world right now and he’s highly appreciative of the humble nature the Bayern keeper has always maintained throughout his career. “He [Neuer] might have some competition with one or two other goalkeepers, like Thibaut Courtois, for example. But he definitely sets the standard; Manuel is one of the top three goalkeepers in the world. We have a very good relationship. I really appreciate how, despite being a world-class goalkeeper, he has always remained so down-to-earth and humble. Manu is great, both as a person and as a player,” Baumann explained to Sport Bild (via @iMiaSanMia).
Of course, Courtois is a bit younger than Neuer and has quite a few years to come, but in his prime, it was hard to say that there was any keeper better than Neuer. It’s incredibly hard to argue against over 250 clean sheets recorded int the Bundesliga and at least 60 in the Champions League — and Neuer’s not even done yet.
