Müller supports Neuer as the number one goalkeeper upon his return to the German national team.

Germany, the "German Machine," recently announced its 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with the return of Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to the national team as the number one goalkeeper attracting particular attention. German legend Thomas Müller stated that Neuer possesses the ability to fulfill this role, while also emphasizing that Oliver Baumann is an exceptional goalkeeper.

The 40-year-old Neuer announced his retirement from the national team after the 2024 European Championship, but has now returned to the German national team.

In the 2025/26 Bundesliga season, Neuer played 22 games for Bayern Munich, ultimately helping the team win the Bundesliga title again.

German legend Thomas Müller said in a podcast, "We hope to bring the best goalkeeper to the World Cup. Of course, there will be some discussion. Oliver Baumann has always performed very well and is also a very good goalkeeper."

“But if we can get Neuer and see his performance at the highest level this spring, then in my opinion, we must make him the team’s number one goalkeeper. However, this will not diminish Oliver Baumann’s ability in the slightest.”

Furthermore, Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann's communication style with players has recently drawn criticism. Müller responded, "Regarding communication methods, I agree with Matthias Sammer's point of view. We are professional athletes, and professional football inherently involves various decisions and disappointments; these are unavoidable parts of it."

"If we want to succeed again, we can't always get caught up in discussions about whether someone received the message too early or too late, or whether the expression on someone's face was appropriate when they were notified."

On the other hand, with the conclusion of the 2025/26 season in major leagues, the competition for the Ballon d'Or has also attracted attention.

Harry Kane, the 32-year-old England captain, scored 61 goals in all competitions in the 2025/26 season, helping Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga title and also scoring a hat-trick in the German Cup final to help his team lift the trophy. As a result, he is considered a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or.

Müller stated, "In terms of finishing ability and attacking prowess, Kane is the best striker I've ever seen; he possesses very complete abilities. However, he's not the kind of player who can dribble past four players in a row, and 'artistic elements' are also taken into consideration in the Ballon d'Or voting."

"Overall, I think Kane is more important to the team, but when it comes to the selection of the world's best player, it tends to favor players like Olise."

Müller also said, "Olisse has a dance-like sense of rhythm and artistry, as well as a relaxed and natural quality, which cannot be learned. Olisse is a player who can deliver, a true performer."

Image source: Internet