Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Sunday, June 14, 2026 11:25 p.m. / Updated Sunday, June 14, 2026 11:30 p.m.
Germany's veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (40) was naturally pleased with the national team's convincing victory, score 7-1against debutant Curacao, in the two teams' first match at the 2026 World Cup.
The Bayern Munich goalkeeper, who returned to the national team for the first time since 2024, became the oldest German player to appear in a tournament final, and at the end of the game in Houston.
Manuel Neuer: “It was great to be on the pitch with the boys”
Although he retired from the national team in August 2024, Julian Nagelsmann, the coach of Germany, considered that he is the most experienced goalkeeper, so he decided to return to participate in the World Championship in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
“I waited for this day for so long and I was determined to play. It was great to be on the pitch with the boys. It is always very important to start a major tournament well.
We played a good game and scored many goals. The players who came off the bench brought good energy. We never stopped looking for the next goal. Now we will analyze and see what we can improve in the next matches”, said Manuel Neuer after the match, according to sportal.bg.
About the goal received from the modest Curacao team, the legendary goalkeeper said: “Actually, I would have saved it, but the ball deflected and the distance was too small to react. I was just unlucky.”.
Manuel Neuer, after Germany – Curacao // photo: Imago Images
Manuel Neuer, the oldest German player in a final tournament
At 40 years and 79 days, the goalkeeper became the oldest German footballer to play at a major tournament (World Cup/European Championship) on Sunday, surpassing Lothar Matthaus, who was 39 years and 91 days old in the Euro 2000 group stage match against Portugal.
Manuel Neuer, a key player in the 2014 World Cup winning team, has played 124 matches for Germany, highlighting his long and consistent football career. Despite his advanced age, his performance has not decreased, something also seen at Bayern Munich.
