Pros and cons: Should Neuer make Germany comeback for World Cup?

The 2-1 victory against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions Leaguer quarter-finals tie was one of Neuer's highlights this season. The goalkeeper made several crucial and difficult saves - just like in his prime.

"Manu made that save, that would have torn me apart in goal back in the day. That's not just a normal performance any more, it's magic with gloves," former Germany goalkeeper Sepp Maier said in an interview with broadcaster Sport1. "Anyone who still debates whether he's good enough knows as much about goalkeeping as I do about ballet." Former national team player Dietmar Hamann, meanwhile, noted that Neuer can still win games single-handedly.

Pros: Experience and charisma

Neuer also shone in the semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, despite Bayern's elimination, while Baumann hasn't had to prove himself at the highest international level with his club in quite some time. Baumann has only made six Champions League appearances. Neuer has also one World Cup title in his long list of achievements, while Baumann has yet to play a major tournament for the national team.

Cons: Occasional slip-ups - Baumann strong on penalties

Neuer's outstanding performances are marred by occasional slip-ups, even grotesque ones like the misplaced pass that helped Madrid take the 1-0 lead in the Champions League quarter-finals second leg. The 2014 World Cup champion has become flawed and is no longer a threat to penalty takers. Neuer has saved only two of over 20 spot-kicks in competitive matches since 2020. During the same period, Baumann saved 13 penalties which represents roughly half of all attempts against him. This could become a decisive factor at the World Cup, especially in the knock-out stages.

Both goalkeepers are basically level when it comes to clean sheets in this Bundesliga season, with Baumann (seven) narrowly ahead of Neuer (six). According to the Kicker magazine, Neuer's save percentage of 62% is slightly lower than Baumann's 66.4%. Baumann also performed reliably in World Cup qualifying, which is why Hamann would consider demoting the Hoffenheim keeper disrespectful.

Cons: Recurring injuries

Perhaps the biggest risk factor is Neuer's physical condition. While he has proven time and again that he can bounce back even after serious injuries, such as the broken leg he suffered in late 2022, he has been sidelined on and off ever since with injuries both minor and major. This season alone, he has been forced to take three breaks due to muscle injuries. His most recent calf muscle tear in early March sidelined him for nearly a month. If such a setback were to occur during the World Cup, the tournament would effectively be over for Neuer and Nagelsmann would suddenly have to rely once again on Baumann.

Cons: Neuer has ruled out Germany comeback

Nagelsmann and Neuer have repeatedly ruled out the keeper's comeback in recent months. "The World Cup is coming up, but I'm not involved in it at all right now, and I'm not part of the whole thing, so I'm watching it calmly from the sidelines," Neuer recently said. Nagelsmann, meanwhile, stressed: "Manu has retired on his own terms, he has repeated this several times, and that's why it doesn't make much sense to keep discussing it."