FRANKFURT, MAY 21: Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was handed a surprise recall to Germany's 26-man World Cup squad on Thursday, coming out of international retirement to play in the tournament for a fifth time.
The 40-year-old retired from international duty in 2024 but coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed the World Cup winner will play ahead of Oliver Baumann at this summer's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
"Everyone knows the aura and quality Manu has, what he brings to a team," Nagelsmann said at a squad announcement in Frankfurt of his "world class" keeper.
"We're planning with him as our number one," he added.
"He has an impact on his own team, on the opposition, and can create special moments."
Joshua Kimmich will retain the captaincy despite the long-time skipper's return.
Former Manchester City and Bayern winger Leroy Sane, now at Galatasaray, has retained his spot.
Nagelsmann admitted Sane's club statistics this season were not up to scratch, but highlighted his "five goal contributions in his past four games for Germany".
Bayern Munich's Neuer is the only remaining member of the squad that won the World Cup in 2014.
Matthias Ginter, another 2014 World Cup winner who was instrumental in Freiburg's run to the Europa League final, failed to make the cut, with Newcastle's Malick Thiaw preferred in central defence.
Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig was dropped from the squad after being called up for the March friendlies, but will travel with the side to help in training during the tournament.
Munich's Jamal Musiala returns to the squad after missing Germany's March friendlies as he recovered from a broken ankle.
Nagelsmann named a Premier League-heavy attacking contingent, which includes freshly minted English Premier League champion Kai Havertz of Arsenal, Liverpool's Florian Wirtz and Newcastle's Nick Woltemade.
Bayern youngster Lennart Karl, 18, was also called up to a major tournament for the first time. �"AFP
