DPA
Berlin
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer plans to continue his careeer with the national team, the Bild newspaper reported on Tuesday.
Unlike Toni Kroos (34), Thomas Muller (34) and former captain Ilkay Gundogan (33), the Bayern Munich player doesn’t want to end his international career following the home Euro 2024.
There hasn’t been any confirmation from Neuer or his team about his decision.
If he decides to continue with Germany, Neuer is a top candidate to become the new Germany captain after Gündogan announced his retirement from the national team on Monday.
Gündogan was named captain around a year ago - the first one with migration background - by then coach Hansi Flick and kept the title after Julian Nagelsmann took over. He led Germany in 19 games, most recently at Euro 2024.
Neuer has served as Germany captain 60 times. He’s only behind Lothar Matthäus, who led the national team in 75 of his 150 international matches.
Joshua Kimmich would also be a potential choice. The Bayern Munich player has already been one of Gündogan’s deputies, is a regular starter and has captained the team eight times in his 91 international appearances.
According to the Bild report, Neuer is likely to miss the Nations League games against Hungary on September 7 and the Netherlands on September 10 as he plans to take a break. But he could be on duty again at the end of the year.
After Kross and Müller’s retirements from the team, Neuer would be the last 2014 world champion in the squad.
His decision on whether to keep going or not and maybe play the 2026 World Cup also depends on Nagelsmann’s plans. The coach said after the Euros that he would like to rejuvenate his squad.
Need for a new captain
One of the options for Nagelsmann is goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who has served as Germany captain 60 times. He’s only behind Lothar Matthäus, who led the national team in 75 of his 150 international matches.
It’s unclear, however, whether Neuer, 38, will continue his national team career after the Euros as he’s also a candidate for retirement.
A decision is expected to be made public before Nagelsmann announces his squad for the Nations League next week.
Joshua Kimmich would also be a potential choice. The Bayern Munich player has already been one of Gündogan’s deputies, is a regular starter and has captained the team eight times in his 91 international appearances.
Germany play Hungary on September 7 and the Netherlands on September 10 in the group stage of the Nations League.