Lothar Matthäus Slams Manuel Neuer Following Germany's Early World Cup 2026 Exit

Former German captain Lothar Matthäus, now 65, said goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s participation in the 2026 World Cup was unnecessary, describing it as “much wind for nothing.” He noted Neuer saved a penalty against Paraguay but argued the performance did not change Germany’s fate.

Matthäus highlighted that Germany’s early group‑stage elimination marks the third successive poor World Cup showing after the 2014 triumph, joining defeats in 2018 and 2022. He also compared the situation of aging stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić and Kevin De Bruyne, while praising Lionel Messi’s longevity.