Article by Dragoș Petrescu – published on Sunday, 03 August 2025 23:30 / Updated Sunday, August 3, 2025 23:49
Timo Hildebrand (46 years) spoke about the big problem that “Die Mannschaft” is facing at this time, namely who should be a holder in the gate of Julian Nagelsmann at the 2026 World Championship. The former goalkeeper of VFB Stuttgart and the German national of Germany has chosen its favorite.
With less than a year left until the start of the 2026 World Cup, Germany selected has a major dilemma: who will defend the band's goals led by Julian Nagelsmann at the final tournament in America?
Manuel Neuer, the undeniable holder of the Germans of the last 15 years, has announced his withdrawal from the national team after the European Championship of 2024, and since then, Marc Andre Ter Stegen has become the main option of the coach.
However, the problems he is currently facing in Barcelona could make him miss the final competition next year. Which reopen the discussion – who will stay in the gate of Germany?
Timo Hildebrand: “Nubel should be number 1”
Recently, speculation has occurred that Manuel Neuer would be willing to return to national “in case of need”, but Nagelsmann would prefer a new air to the team he wants to rebuild.
Timo Hildebrand, champion in the Bundesliga with VFB Stuttgart in 2007 and a man with seven selections for the first representative, jumped to the help of the coach. In an interview with Sport Bildthe former goalkeeper said that, from his point of view, Alexander Nelbel should be Germany's new holder.
It is clear that a fight will be given in three. Alexander Nubel (Stuttgart), Kevin Trapp (Eintracht Frankfurt) and Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim). We would definitely talk about Ter Stegen, but at the moment I don't think that's the case. He is currently injured. Let's see how it will handle it when it will come back. As far as I have heard, his post in Barcelona is in danger, and if you do not play regularly, you cannot be a holder of Germany's national team.
As for the other three, I think any of them could do very well. There are experienced porters, with many standing matches. However, if I were to choose one, I would go to Alex's hand (no – Nubel). In the last seasons, Alex has progressed a lot and I think he has a plus than the other two. From my point of view, he should be number 1 – the new Manuel Neuer.
– Timo Hildebrand for Bild Sport
Currently, Alexander Nelbel is in the last season in VFB's shirt, he will return to Bayern in 2026, after the two -year loan.
Also in 2026, Neuer's contract with Germany's champion is to be expired, and thus, Nubel could take over the position of holder in the Bavarian group gate.
