Manuel Neuer retires from Germany team: Who will replace him?

Manuel Neuer, a defining figure in the German national team, is stepping down after eight major tournaments as the number one goalkeeper. The 38-year-old 2014 World Cup winner will now only play for FC Bayern Munich. But who will be his successor in the German Football Association (DFB) lineup?

Who will be Germany’s new number one?

Marc-André ter Stegen

The top contender for the role of the new starting goalkeeper is Marc-André ter Stegen (32) from FC Barcelona. After years as a backup in the national team, the time for this seasoned player seems to have finally come. Despite not being able to replace Neuer after his injury recovery during the home European Championship this summer, ter Stegen already boasts 40 caps for Germany, making him the most experienced among the potential successors.

Manuel Neuer retires from Germany team: Who will replace him? — For years, the 32-year-old ter Stegen from FC Barcelona fought with Neuer, who is six years older, for the role of number one in the German goal.

Kevin Trapp

Kevin Trapp, the 34-year-old from Eintracht Frankfurt, also has significant experience. However, he didn’t make the European Championship squad, with Oliver Baumann (34) from TSG Hoffenheim taking his spot instead. Trapp has nine caps, the same as Bernd Leno (32) from FC Fulham.

Alexander Nübel

Alexander Nübel played a key role in VfB Stuttgart’s runner-up finish last season, as noted by coach Sebastian Hoeneß. Although the 27-year-old on loan from FC Bayern Munich wasn’t included in the European Championship squad by Nagelsmann, he was brought into the team for tournament preparation. The DFB has certainly noticed him.

Noah Atubolu

Noah Atubolu, only 22 years old, kept ten clean sheets in his first full Bundesliga season with SC Freiburg—only two keepers in the league achieved this more often. Despite this, the U21 national team goalkeeper faced criticism, much to the displeasure of his then-coach Christian Streich. Freiburg’s former coach remarked that one would have to “have tomatoes on their eyes” not to see Atubolu’s good performances and potential. Although he is not yet a candidate for the number one spot and has no senior caps, Atubolu could fight for a place in the DFB team in the long term.