Neuer’s Return or a World Cup 2026 Quest? Eberl Pushes Germany’s GK Comeback
26 November 2025
Neuer and the World Cup 2026: Eberl’s Stance
Max Eberl, Bayern Munich’s sporting director, voiced his support for Manuel Neuer’s return to the Germany squad with the goal of competing at the 2026 World Cup in mind.
He told Sport Bild that Neuer remains the best goalkeeper in Germany, that Bayern was very happy to have extended his contract, and that breaks during international windows help him stay sharp.
When asked if Neuer should go to the World Cup, Eberl answered with a clear yes.
Current GK Situations and World Cup Talk
The 39-year-old Neuer had retired from the Germany team after Euro 2024. He was briefly succeeded by Marc-Andre ter Stegen as first-choice, but Ter Stegen later sustained a knee injury and needed back surgery.
At the moment, Ter Stegen misses Barcelona’s matches, but has recently returned to training. Germany’s goalkeeper duties are now being handled by Oliver Baumann of Hoffenheim.
Ahead of Bayern’s Champions League clash with Arsenal at the Emirates tonight, Eberl also touched on Neuer’s future and the national-team plans for 2026.
Kane, Barcelona Rumors, and Bayern’s Roadmap
Eberl said there is a clear roadmap with Harry Kane, noting that talks would take place early next year.
He added that Kane shows in every game how comfortable he is in Munich, and that he is arguably at his best right now.
Eberl praised Kane’s versatility and his willingness to serve the team, and dismissed Barcelona links as not a major concern for the moment.
Looking back, Eberl recalled how Ulrich Hoeness’ criticisms served as motivation; he says those moments helped him prove the doubters wrong. Hoeness, Bayern’s honorary president at 73, once described Eberl as “too sensitive,” a trait Eberl now calls a positive sign of passion.
He stressed that Bayern went through internal and external shake-ups — owners, directors, and coaches — but those discussions helped shape the club’s current state.
Finally, Bayern Munich are preparing to face Arsenal tonight at the Emirates Stadium in the fifth matchday of the Champions League group stage.
Punchline 1: Neuer’s gloves are so precise, even a sniper would applaud the target he missed—by missing it entirely.
Punchline 2: If Bayern’s plan works, Kane will score, Neuer will protect, and the ball will file a report to the goalpost committee for excessive defense. It’s football, not a magician’s show, but the wand is clearly Neuer’s gloves.
