Manuel Neuer: The aura of a record-breaking goalkeeper

There are few records left for Manuel Neuer to break in his career, but his surprise return to the Germany team for the 2026 World Cup has seen him reach new milestones.

By playing in goal during Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao, Neuer has now played at five World Cups, equaling Lothar Matthäus's German record. His appearance also made him the oldest ever German international, aged 40 years and 79 days, breaking a record previously held Matthäus (39 years and 91 days). The game was also his 20th World Cup appearance, drawing him level with former French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris as the goalkeeper with the most tournament appearances.

"Either you love football or you don't and that's why it's really special for me to start this tournament together with the team," Neuer said afterwards. "I really wanted to be the man between the posts. It felt good to be on the pitch with the team."

Neuer was rarely called into action against Curacao, but the goal he conceded did leave him frustrated.

"If it hadn't been deflected, I would have saved it. I would have liked to have kept it out," the keeper said afterwards.

Back from retirement

The 2014 World Cup winner is two years older than head coach Julian Nagelsmann, but Germany's coach had no doubts about asking the legendary keeper if he wanted to come out of retirement.

"He doesn't need time to settle in at his age. He knows how to handle high-pressure situations," Nagelsmann said of the decision. The 38-year-old also received support from German Football Association (DFB) Sporting Director Rudi Völler. "He knows most of the players from Bayern Munich, too. He’s been around for so long; nothing rattles him," the 66-year-old noted.

All eyes on Neuer

Discussions surrounding the "world's best goalkeeper" and the health of his calf dominated the headlines in the days leading up to Germany's World Cup opener. For a long time, it was unclear whether the keeper would be fit in time, given the injury Neuer suffered late in the recently finished Bundesliga season. He arrived at the tournament having not played in Germany's final two warm-up matches against Finland and the USA.

Oliver Baumann served as the number one during the World Cup qualifiers and delivered strong performances. The Hoffenheim goalkeeper was set to be Germany's number one, but things turned out differently when Neuer returned.

"It was tough at first, of course. It didn't feel great, to be honest," Baumann admitted after the final World Cup warm-up match against the USA. "But I knew right away that I would be there for the team and make the trip."

A keeper with an aura

Neuer's return does carry a risk though. Due to his injury, the keeper only rejoined team training earlier in the week building up to Germany's opener. Potential re-injury had to be avoided at all costs, given the history of Neuer's injury issues — calf problems had already forced him into three injury-related layoffs during the season just finished.

Beyond his undisputed ability on the pitch, there is another psychological factor that could prove advantageous for Germany: the 40 year old's aura.

"He has this special presence and this special aura," explained defensive leader Jonathan Tah. For captain Joshua Kimmich, it was a given that Neuer is "the best goalkeeper of all time."

The two have played together at Bayern Munich— the record-holding German champions — for eleven years and know each other well. That is one reason why the current Germany captain never doubted that Neuer would return to the squad, provided he was fit.

"We have a World Cup coming up, and the best players need to play," said Kimmich.

A 'GOAT' goalkeeper

The excitement for so many Germany fans to see Neuer back in action started long before the game in Houston. A week before, amidst summer-like temperatures, around 3,000 fans flocked to the Wake Forest University grounds to watch Germany's public training session.

Everyone wanted to see head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s squad, and one player, in particular, was the center of attention: Neuer.

"Neuer has won our hearts. I believe in the team and hope they’ll go all the way," said Chris.

And who knows what Manuel Neuer will decide after the World Cup and which records he'll set his sights on next. For teammate Kai Havertz, at least, one thing is certain: "If he's 70 and still wants to play for the national team, he'll still make the squad."

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