Manuel Neuer's World Cup Journey Through the Eyes of Jens Lehmann
At 40, Manuel Neuer is competing in his fifth World Cup. Jens Lehmann reflects on the goalkeeper's career, from his 2014 triumph to his historic longevity.
Manuel Neuer sacré meilleur gardien de la Coupe du monde 2014, après la victoire de l'Allemagne en finale contre l'Argentine (1-0 a.p.). (S. Mantey/L'Équipe) Neuer derrière Lionel Messi lors du quart de finale contre l'Argentine (4-0). (S. Mantey/L'Équipe) Manuel Neuer lors du seul succès allemand lors de la Coupe du monde 2018, contre la Suède (2-1). (F. Faugère/L'Équipe) Neuer trompé par le premier buteur nippon lors de l'entrée en lice de l'Allemagne au Qatar (1-2). (P. Lahalle/L'Équipe)
At 40 years old, Manuel Neuer still exudes the competitive fire that has defined his career. Recalled to the German national team specifically for this tournament, the goalkeeper reclaimed his starting spot with the same high standards he has maintained for years. Following Germany's opening win against Curaçao (7-1), Neuer was visibly frustrated by the deflected goal he conceded, highlighting his relentless perfectionism.
This tournament marks another milestone in an extraordinary career. Neuer is the only player in the history of the German national team to have played in five World Cup final tournaments, matching the record of Lothar Matthäus, and he is the oldest German player ever to be fielded in the competition.
Football is often a matter of opportunity, and Neuer was able to seize his. Jens Lehmann
Former Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann reflects on Neuer’s path, noting how a 2010 injury to René Adler opened the door for him. The highlight remains the 2014 World Cup triumph, where Neuer redefined the sweeper-keeper role. However, the journey also included the painful group-stage exit in 2018 and the complex political atmosphere surrounding the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
With his expected start against Ivory Coast, Neuer is poised to break another record: becoming the most-capped goalkeeper in World Cup history, surpassing Hugo Lloris. His career serves as a bridge between Germany's golden generation and the challenges of the modern era.