Bayern Munich veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer produced a standout performance in Tuesday’s 2-1 UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg victory over Real Madrid, reigniting debate over a possible return to the Germany national team ahead of the World Cup set to begin in June.

The 40-year-old World Cup winner retired from international football in 2024, but his display has once again put him at the centre of discussions among German supporters and pundits. With Oliver Baumann currently regarded as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper, and Jonas Urbig and Alexander Nübel seen as potential alternatives, the goalkeeper hierarchy remains uncertain. Marc-André ter Stegen is unavailable due to a series of injuries, further complicating selection options.

Neuer, who served as Germany’s starting goalkeeper for 14 years, was in inspired form at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. He made a series of crucial saves throughout the match, including multiple one-on-one stops to deny Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, helping preserve Bayern’s narrow advantage and earning man-of-the-match honours.

His performance drew widespread praise from German media and pundits, many of whom have called for his inclusion in the World Cup squad. Even Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa acknowledged Neuer’s impact, saying: “I think Neuer was the MVP. We had many chances to score more goals, but we didn’t take them.”

Manuel Neuer’s return has intensified debate in Germany, where the national team has struggled to find consistent goalkeeping stability since his retirement from international football.

With the World Cup set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in June, and following back-to-back early exits in 2018 and 2022, calls for Neuer’s comeback have grown louder among fans and pundits alike.

Questions have also been raised about his relationship with Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann, which has at times appeared strained. Nagelsmann previously admitted he was unaware of Neuer’s 40th birthday when asked about it in an interview, and he has consistently dismissed the possibility of recalling the veteran from international retirement.

Following his impressive Champions League performance, Neuer was again asked about a potential return to the national setup. He firmly played down the speculation.

“We don’t need to bring that up at all,” Neuer told reporters. “Where we played today was a sensational match. We’re not talking about the national team right now. I’ve already said what I had to say, and I’m focused on Bayern.”

The goalkeeper remains committed to Bayern Munich, where the club is still competing on multiple fronts. However, performances of this level are likely to increase external pressure on Nagelsmann to reconsider his stance.

Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl was also full of praise for Neuer’s display, stating: “To be honest, I’m not surprised by his performance. Manuel has been performing at this level throughout the entire season. He made several crucial saves for us today.”

When asked about a possible return to international football, Eberl added: “That’s not my responsibility—I’m not the national team coach.”