Participating in his fifth edition of the World Cup, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer presented a performance below his reputation as one of the greats in the history of football. At 40 years old, Germany’s legendary number 1, champion in 2014, ended his World Cup career in a disappointing way.
Over the four matches played, Neuer conceded a total of five goals and made only four saves. In the decisive penalty shootout against Paraguay, which resulted in Germany’s elimination in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the archer saved just one of the six kicks.
After leaving the national team in 2024, the experienced player accepted coach Julian Nagelsmann’s direct appeal to return to the field. His questionable performance raises the hypothesis that, aware of the results, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper could have reconsidered his return.
Throughout the World Cup campaign, Manuel Neuer faced intense pressure from the German fans and media. Criticism persisted even after positive results, such as the 7-1 victory over Curaçao and the 2-1 score against Ivory Coast.
The situation worsened after the 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, at which time calls for Oliver Baumann to take over the starting line-up grew. However, Nagelsmann opted to keep Neuer as the main goalkeeper for the knockout stages.
In addition to the negative impression left, Manuel Neuer records an unfavorable historical record on his return to Germany. By allowing a goal in the 1-1 draw against Paraguay, which resulted in a penalty shootout, the goalkeeper reached the mark of ten consecutive World Cup games being missed. He thus equals the negative record of former Mexican goalkeeper Carbajal, established between 1950 and 1962, having conceded goals in all of his appearances in the 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups, a rare and unwanted feat for an athlete of his caliber.
Despite the setbacks, the German can still find solace in the positive milestones achieved in this edition of the World Cup. He reached 23 appearances in tournament matches, becoming the goalkeeper with the most appearances in history, surpassing the previous record of 20 games, held by Frenchman Hugo Lloris.
With this mark, Neuer also positions himself among the five players with the most appearances in World Cups, behind only Argentine Lionel Messi and compatriots Lothar Matthaus and Miroslav Klose.
