Bayern Munich's veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer put in a five-star performance in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, and has reignited discussions about a possible return to Germany ahead of the World Cup in June.
The 40-year-old World Cup winner is set to retire from Germany in 2024. But he is on the minds of many German fans, with Oliver Baumann the first choice goalkeeper and Jonas Urbig and Alexander Neubel as possible replacements at the World Cup. Marc-Andre ter Stegen is out with a number of injuries.
Neuer, Germany's first-choice goalkeeper for 14 years, made some spectacular saves on Tuesday night in Madrid, including one-on-one saves from Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
Neuer was named man of the match in Bayern's victory.
Many analysts in Germany have called for the iconic goalkeeper to be invited to the World Cup. Even Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa singled out Neuer's performance.
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"I think Neuer was the MVP," Arbeloa said. "We had many chances to score more goals, but we didn't."
Germany has never suffered from a lack of quality goalkeepers. But after Neuer's retirement, there has been no consistent first choice.
With Germany determined to succeed, after failure at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, rumors of Neuer's return are growing.
There have also been reports of Neuer's strained relationship with coach Julian Nagelsmann.
After his impressive performance, Neuer has been asked about the possibility of returning to Germany.
"We don't need to mention this. It was a sensational match. We're not talking about the national team now. I've said my piece and I'm focusing on Bayern."
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Max Eberl, Bayern's sporting director, said he was not surprised by Neuer's performance.
"He has performed at this level all season. He saved us on many occasions in this match," said Eberl, who did not want to get involved in the debate about the legendary goalkeeper's return to Germany.
