There are few records left for Manuel Neuer to break in his career, but his surprise return to the Germany team for the 2026 World Cup has seen him reach new milestones.
By playing in goal during Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao, Neuer has now played at five World Cups, equaling Lothar Matthäus's German record. His appearance also made him the oldest ever German international, aged 40 years and 79 days, breaking a record previously held Matthäus (39 years and 91 days). The game was also his 20th World Cup appearance, drawing him level with former French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris as the goalkeeper with the most tournament appearances.
"Either you love football or you don't and that's why it's really special for me to start this tournament together with the team," Neuer said afterwards. "I really wanted to be the man between the posts. It felt good to be on the pitch with the team."
Neuer was rarely called into action against Curacao, but the goal he conceded did leave him frustrated.
"If it hadn't been deflected, I would have saved it. I would have liked to have kept it out," the keeper said afterwards.Back from retirement
