Manuel Neuer Conditions Germany Return on Dropping Goalkeeper Alexander Nübel

Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning national team faced internal turmoil ahead of the 2026 World Cup, centered around goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's return. Neuer, who had retired from international play after Euro 2024, agreed to rejoin only if Alexander Nübel was removed from the squad. Originally, Oliver Baumann was set to be the first-choice goalkeeper with Nübel as backup, but coach Julian Nagelsmann unexpectedly reinstated Neuer as the senior keeper without informing goalkeeping coach Andreas Kronenberg. This decision nearly led to Kronenberg's resignation, as he had already promised Baumann and Nübel their roles.

Neuer's demand to exclude Nübel caused significant friction within the team. As a compromise, Nagelsmann included Jonas Urbig, Neuer's Bayern Munich teammate, as the fourth-choice goalkeeper behind Nübel. The strained relationship between Neuer and Nübel reportedly influenced Neuer's hesitation to return, with Nübel currently playing for Beşiktaş in Turkey. The controversy highlights the challenges Germany faces in rebuilding its squad after early World Cup exits in recent tournaments.