It is not easy to live under the long shadow of Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer, a literal and figurative giant in goalkeeping.
Yet that has been the lot of FC Barcelona keeper Marc-André ter Stegen on the national team stage. And after just one international period since Neuer’s international retirement, Ter Stegen has found himself on the receiving end of a horrific injury that has taken him out for the remainder of the season.
Neuer, 38, is not about to make his comeback…for the October international period at least. Per a report from Az journalist Maximilian Koch, however, the door does not look completely closed for the future.
As captured via @iMiaSanMia:
A Manuel Neuer comeback to the national team for October’s games is not an option, but is not completely ruled out for the future. The goalkeeper is fully focused on FC Bayern. [@_kochmaximilian]
The news was later confirmed by Julian Nagelsmann’s official selection list.
Neuer certainly looks like a man intent on continuing his Bayern career beyond this season. If he makes it to the end of 2025/26, is a dramatic return to the Germany fold possible for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup?
