Manuel Neuer is a one-of-a-kind No. 1.
The German goalkeeper is defying the odds at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coming out of international retirement at 40 years old to lead this squad in North America and looking to lift the trophy next month.
On Saturday afternoon, fans in Toronto had the chance to see a living legend in action as he set a World Cup record.
There were a few moments during the match when, with Germany on the ball in Cote d’Ivoire’s half, fans could look up and find Neuer roaming around the centre circle.
During a first-half corner kick, he even crossed the midfield line, almost begging to get into the play.
Why is Neuer so unique?
That’s classic Neuer, playing like a midfielder in a goalkeeper’s uniform and body. He’s always looking to be an outlet if needed and never afraid to get his foot on the ball – and he was doing it before the ball-playing keeper came into vogue.
It’s that sort of mentality that has elevated Neuer to be among the greats.
As for his traditional goalkeeping duties, it would be hard to fault him for the Elephants’ opening goal. Franck Kessie was able to find the back of the net after a low cross got past a couple of German defenders and the ball came right back to the midfielder’s foot after an initial shot was blocked, pulling Neuer out of position.
Otherwise, there were a few moments where the African side got into threatening positions, but the attacks either ended up getting snuffed out by defenders or having shots go off target.
The only other shot on target landed softly in Neuer’s mitts.
How great has Neuer’s career been for Germany?
Die Mannschaft’s 2-1 win on Saturday was the 21st World Cup match that Neuer has played, the most of any goalkeeper. He has provided a constant in the German goal and has carried on a rare legacy of greatness.
Oliver Kahn began his run as Germany’s No. 1 after Bodo Illgner retired after the 1994 World Cup and went all the way through the 2008 edition. From there, Neuer picked up the torch and it has been his ever since.
That’s more than 30 years of global goalkeeping excellence split between two men, which is something you can’t say for any other nation through soccer history.
Neuer’s consistent greatness has kept the likes of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen on the bench since he was called up in 2012. For a world-class keeper that has won championships at Barcelona, it’s odd to think he only has 44 caps in almost a decade and a half.
This was supposed to be Ter Stegen’s first time in the World Cup spotlight. But, after suffering a severely torn hamstring while on loan at Girona this past season, he wouldn’t get the chance.
Then it was supposed to be Oliver Baumann, but the Hoffenheim veteran has now been serving as the No. 2.
One thing for certain is that the Neuer countdown is on towards Neuer’s retirement — and this time it’s for good. He reiterated as much before Saturday’s game.
“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 be Germany’s next iconic goalkeeper?
So, the question now becomes who will be next after Neuer’s re-retirement? Ter Stegen and Baumann are 34 and 36, respectively, so they’re not a long-term solution.
Perhaps it will be Alexander Nubel, Germany’s third-string keeper at this tournament and a player that Bayern has loaned out for the past five seasons.
Looking down the road, Jonas Urbig, who has shared the Bayern net with Neuer this season and helped the club romp to yet another Bundesliga title.
At just 22 years old, it would be easy to see the succession plan involving Urbig at both club and, eventually, country.
But, for now at the World Cup, Neuer remains the man for Die Mannschaft.