Manuel Neuer, the legendary German goalkeeper, came out of international retirement at age 40 to lead Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and on Saturday in Toronto, he demonstrated why he remains one of a kind. Playing his 21st World Cup match—the most of any goalkeeper in history—Neuer helped secure a 2-1 victory over Cote d'Ivoire at Toronto Stadium, keeping alive Germany's hopes of lifting the trophy next month.
Neuer's Unique Style on Display
Throughout the match, Neuer showcased the sweeper-keeper style that has defined his career. On multiple occasions, with Germany pressing in Cote d'Ivoire's half, Neuer roamed near the centre circle, and during a first-half corner kick, he even crossed the midfield line, almost begging to get involved in the play. "That's classic Neuer, playing like a midfielder in a goalkeeper's uniform and body," noted observers. He constantly looked to be an outlet and was never afraid to use his feet—a mentality that predated the modern ball-playing keeper trend.
Solid Goalkeeping Despite the Goal
While Cote d'Ivoire opened the scoring through Franck Kessie, Neuer could hardly be faulted. A low cross bypassed German defenders, and after an initial shot was blocked, the ball fell back to Kessie, pulling Neuer out of position. Otherwise, Neuer was solid: the only other shot on target landed softly in his gloves, and when the African side threatened, defenders either snuffed out attacks or shots went off target.
A Legacy of German Goalkeeping Greatness
Neuer's 21 World Cup matches are the most for any goalkeeper, continuing a rare legacy of excellence. Oliver Kahn succeeded Bodo Illgner after the 1994 World Cup and held the No. 1 spot through 2008, when Neuer took over. That's more than 30 years of global goalkeeping greatness split between two men—a feat unmatched by any other nation. Neuer's consistency has kept world-class keepers like Marc-Andre Ter Stegen on the bench since 2012. Ter Stegen, a Barcelona champion, has only 44 caps in nearly 15 years. This tournament was supposed to be his chance, but a severely torn hamstring while on loan at Girona sidelined him. Oliver Baumann, the Hoffenheim veteran, now serves as No. 2.
Neuer Confirms This Is His Last Tournament
Before the match, Neuer reiterated that this World Cup is his final bow. "For me it is clear that this is my last tournament," he said. "I do not plan to be there in two years time for the next Euro. In the last days I have dealt with the fact that these are the last games for Germany. But I want to look forward to all the games and not to any goodbye shirts."
Who Will Succeed Neuer?
With Neuer's re-retirement imminent, the question of Germany's next iconic goalkeeper looms. Ter Stegen and Baumann are 34 and 36, respectively, so neither offers a long-term solution. Alexander Nubel, Germany's third-string keeper, has been loaned out by Bayern for five seasons. Looking further ahead, Jonas Urbig, who shared the Bayern net with Neuer this season and helped the club win another Bundesliga title at just 22 years old, appears to be the natural successor at both club and country. For now, however, Neuer remains the man for Die Mannschaft at this World Cup.
