Manuel Neuer Named Germany's No. 1 Goalkeeper for World Cup

AI Summary

Manuel Neuer has come out of international retirement to be named as Germany's starting goalkeeper for the World Cup. The 40-year-old, who last played for Germany at Euro 2024, joins an elite group of players with five or more World Cup tournaments.

The Comeback of Manuel Neuer

Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer has been named as the starting goalkeeper in Germany's World Cup squad by head coach Julian Nagelsmann. This decision comes after Neuer had announced his international retirement following Euro 2024.

Neuer's World Cup Ambitions

The 40-year-old Neuer, a 2014 World Cup winner, is set to play in his fifth successive World Cup. He signed a contract extension with Bayern last week and enjoyed a solid season with the champions, who can win the domestic double with victory over Stuttgart in the German Cup final on Saturday.

Squad Selection and Analysis

Nagelsmann's 26-man squad included few major surprises, but did call up Bayern teenager Lennart Karl, who had a meteoric rise this season. Other inclusions were Nadiem Amiri and Leroy Sané, who both had outside chances of earning a spot. Notable exclusions include Niclas Füllkrug, Karim Adeyemi, and Kevin Schade.

Germany's World Cup Goals

Germany, who face Curacao, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast in Group E at the World Cup, are aiming for their fifth title. They have had shock first-round exits in the past two editions in 2018 and 2022. Nagelsmann emphasized the team's ambitions, stating, "The statement stands. We want to become world champions. Every player who is nominated needs to show it now every day."