The performance of Manuel Neuer with Bayern Munich against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League has sparked debate in Germany over whether he should be part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bayern Munich’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals was built, in part, on Manuel Neuer’s performance. That put the veteran goalkeeper back in the spotlight, fueling debate over whether he should return to the Germany national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “This version of Neuer is world-class; he belongs in the national team,” said legend Lothar Matthaus after the match, according to Marca. He also sent a message to the Germany head coach: “I hope Nagelsmann watched the match. I would love to see Neuer in this kind of form at the World Cup… but I also know that won’t happen. Nagelsmann won’t open that door.” That push comes nearly two years after Neuer’s retirement from international soccer. He chose to close that chapter of his career following Germany’s elimination from UEFA Euro 2024 in the quarterfinals against Spain. In that way, the goalkeeper said goodbye to Germany after 15 years, having first been called up in 2009. During that span, he played in four World Cups and four European Championships, and won the sport’s biggest prize at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final. In total, he made 124 international appearances and recorded 54 clean sheets. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. “The best players have to go to the World Cup, and Manu is by far the best goalkeeper in the world,” said former star Benedikt Howedes, who was Neuer’s teammate at the 2014 World Cup. Even a current Germany and Bayern Munich player, Aleksandar Pavlovic, shared his view: “I would never say no to Manu, no matter his age. He is still an exceptional goalkeeper.” What did Neuer say about a possible return to Germany? Those calls for Manuel Neuer’s return to the Germany national team generated enough speculation that the 40-year-old goalkeeper addressed the topic himself after the match against Real Madrid in the Champions League. “Everything has already been said about it,” Neuer replied when asked about a potential appearance at the 2026 World Cup. Instead, he chose to focus on his club objectives: “What matters now is finishing the rest of the season with Bayern. I’m enjoying my time with the team, at the club, with the coaching staff. It’s true that I’m 40 years old, but I’m still here.” How have Germany replaced Neuer? Since Manuel Neuer’s international retirement, Julian Nagelsmann has been forced to test different options in goal for Germany. Over the past two years, the coach has used three different goalkeepers in official matches and friendlies. The most-used has been Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann, with a total of 11 appearances. Behind him is Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has managed just four matches due to injury issues during his time with Barcelona, which have also kept him sidelined at Girona. The third goalkeeper selected by Nagelsmann is Stuttgart’s Alexander Nubel, who has featured in three matches.

Simon Jordan has defended Arsenal and their style of play, claiming rivals fans are only complaining to belittle their victory. On Tuesday night, the Gunners secured a late 1-0 victory in Portugal …

There is a concept in ancient Stoic philosophy called Amor Fati. Love of fate. The idea that a person of true character does not merely tolerate what the world throws at them. They do not grit their teeth and endure it. They embrace it. They walk toward the fire and find it warm. Marcus Aurelius… The post Lamine Yamal: The Boy Who Skipped the Development Curve first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Paulo Fonseca arrived in Lyon after a negative experience at AC Milan, one that was not entirely his fault, but rather the fault of a nonexistent club, one of the worst in AC Milan’s history, and of a number of players who had never been with him from the start. Despite having proven himself a… The post How Paulo Fonseca got his groove back at Lyon first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest of its kind as it will be hosted over three countries for the first time in history, featuring 48 teams from the six football federations, an increase of 16 countries from the regular format of 32 nations that has been in place since 1998. The… The post Newcomers and Second Appearances: What to Expect in the 2026 World Cup first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Maguire is suspended for the clash.

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The Soccer Sharps betting podcast takes on Europa League football for the first time this season! Hosts and handicappers, Devin and Jordan, preview each first leg match of the Europa League quarter-finals, delivering expert analysis and advice while sharing their predictions. The show closes out with best bets and Official Plays. 00:00 Introduction 04:23 Braga vs Real Betis 08:02 Bologna vs Aston Villa 12:42 FC Porto vs Nottingham Forest 19:22 SC Freiburg vs Celta Vigo 23:20 Official Plays 👉 Drop your picks in the comments! 📈 Let’s crush these plays and make some money together! ⚽ JOIN OUR DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/cx7WJKWabQ 👀 VIEW OUR P&L SPEADSHEETS: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jca0dVIW7FumZ27VEcyhdre0Ke5gh7C6?usp=sharing 📧 EMAIL US: [email protected] ❤️ FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: ✅ X: @TheSoccerSharps ✅ TikTok: thesoccersharps ✅ Instagram: @TheSoccerSharps ✅ Bluesky: @thesoccersharps.bsky.social The Soccer Sharps podcast is a part of The Hooligan Soccer Network. https://hooligan-soccer.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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