Neuer comes out of retirement as Germany name World Cup squad

Manuel Neuer has been recalled to the Germany national football team squad for this year’s World Cup, ending his international retirement to make a fifth appearance at the tournament.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann announced the 40-year-old goalkeeper as part of his 26-man squad on Thursday, confirming that Neuer would serve as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Oliver Baumann.

“Everyone knows the aura and quality Manu has, what he brings to a team,” Nagelsmann said in Frankfurt.

“We’re planning with him as our number one.”

Although Neuer has returned, Joshua Kimmich will remain captain of the side.

Former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane, now with Galatasaray, retained his place in the squad.

Neuer is now the only remaining member of the Germany squad that won the 2014 World Cup.

However, defender Matthias Ginter missed out despite helping Freiburg reach the Europa League final, with Malick Thiaw preferred in central defence.

Jamal Musiala returned after recovering from a broken ankle that sidelined him during Germany’s March friendlies.

Nagelsmann also selected several players based in the English Premier League, including Kai Havertz of Arsenal, Florian Wirtz of Liverpool and Nick Woltemade of Newcastle United.

Young Bayern Munich forward Lennart Karl also earned his first senior tournament call-up.

Injured forward Serge Gnabry and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen were not included in the squad, while Niclas Fullkrug and Robert Andrich were also left out.

Germany have endured disappointing campaigns since lifting the World Cup in 2014, suffering back-to-back group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022.

The team has struggled in European competitions as well, winning only one knockout match since Euro 2016.

Neuer has enjoyed an impressive season with Bayern Munich but remains under an injury cloud because of a recurring calf problem.

Germany will face Finland on May 31 before taking on World Cup co-hosts the United States in Chicago on June 6.

The four-time world champions are drawn in Group C with Curacao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador.

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