Julian Nagelsmann (foto: Getty Images)
German football legends have criticized Julian Nagelsmann over Manuel Neuer’s possible World Cup return as debate intensifies around Germany’s goalkeeping situation.
Julian Nagelsmann has triggered a major debate in Germany after including Manuel Neuer on the national team’s provisional World Cup list.
The Germany coach recently submitted a wider squad containing 55 players, although only 26 names will travel to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Even before the final selection is announced, controversy has already exploded across German football.
The reason is simple, many now expect 40-year-old Neuer not only to make the squad but possibly even return as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper.
That possibility has angered several major figures from German football.
Former stars including Michael Ballack, Dietmar Hamann, and Lothar Matthäus have all publicly questioned the idea of bringing Neuer back into such a central role.
Critics argue that Oliver Baumann, now 35 years old, earned the position during the World Cup qualification campaign and should not suddenly lose his place.
Germany did not face this same situation before Euro 2024, when Toni Kroos returned from international retirement.
At that time, Germany automatically qualified as tournament hosts and therefore did not play qualifiers. This time, however, Baumann defended throughout official competitive matches.
That distinction has become one of the main arguments against Neuer’s return.
Pressure on Nagelsmann continues growing daily, and many believe the young coach risks losing support if he restores Neuer as Germany’s number one goalkeeper.
So far, Neuer himself has remained silent and has not publicly commented on the situation.
Now all attention turns toward Nagelsmann’s final decision and whether Germany’s most famous goalkeeper will receive one last World Cup chance.