Is Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer softening stance on return to Germany?

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May 8, 2026 - 08:47

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Is Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer softening stance on return to Germany?

This story might never end — well, at least not for a few weeks anyway.

No matter how many times Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer says he will not return to the German national team, a new story seems to emerge on a weekly basis.

With Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann turning in a poor effort over the weekend during a 3-3 draw with his national team back-up, VfB Stuttgart’s Alexander Nübel, the whispers are getting louder once again as Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk reveals:

There has been a lot of talk in recent weeks about who will be the starting goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup. Against Stuttgart, Hoffenheim goalkeeper and current first-choice for the German national team, Oliver Baumann, did not put in a strong performance. At the same time, Manuel Neuer seems to be hinting that he will stay with FC Bayern for another year. SPORT BILD has learned that Neuer’s name is now being mentioned again in connection with the national team…
BILD soccer editor Christian Falk said on the “BILD SPORT” show on “WELT TV” when asked if anything was happening between national team coach Julian Nagelsmann and Manuel Neuer: “Yes, at least that’s what we’re hearing. So far, it’s just rumors. Of course, no one wants to confirm it at this stage. Julian Nagelsmann has postponed the squad announcement, officially because there are many injured players—like Nmecha, like Lennart Karl, like Bischof.”
But: “Rumor has it that it also has something to do with Manuel Neuer—perhaps to keep an eye on him a little longer to see if he stays fit until the end of the season. And they don’t want to undermine Oliver Baumann by bringing this up now. So maybe we’ll actually see another surprise, and Manuel Neuer will jump on the World Cup bandwagon.”

Falk is tied in, but it still would be a shock to see Neuer return to Germany for a number of reasons. While the veteran has had some outstanding performances this season, there have also been injuries and some very forgettable moments as well.

However, if you are looking for a reason to think Neuer could change his mind, the latest rumors indicate that he will sign a one-year extension with Bayern Munich. Given that, he could — conceivably — opt to give it one final run with Germany.

It still feels extremely doubtful that Neuer will decide to play, but crazier things have happened. For now, though, Neuer has bigger fish to fry as he prepares for the Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.

If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…