Germany seeks new No. 1 goalkeeper following Manuel Neuer's retirement

Former World Cup champion goalkeeper Jens Lehmann warned that Germany's defensive shortcomings stem from inadequate training, citing the 0‑1 loss to Paraguay in the last‑16 of the 2026 World Cup as evidence. He argued that young players no longer learn proper defensive positioning and highlighted the need for on‑field leaders, naming Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk as a model of a player‑coach who improves teammates.

After Manuel Neuer announced his retirement from the national team, the DFB faces a search for his successor. Candidates include veteran Oliver Baumann, Bayern Munich’s rising star Jonas Urbig, and Alexander Nübel, who recently moved to Beşiktaş. Other goalkeepers mentioned are Marc‑André ter Stegen, Noah Atubolu, Finn Dahmen and several younger prospects such as Dennis Seimen and Mio Backhaus. The decision will shape Germany’s goalkeeping options for the upcoming Euro 2028 and the 2026 World Cup.