Manuel Neuer returned to the German national team this summer as a 40-year-old. Italian legend Dino Zoff also played his last World Cup at the age of 40. Then it went all the way to the final in 1982, where Italy beat Germany. This time it is Neuer who is making history. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper is of course planning to lift the World Cup trophy like Zoff, but starts by equalling Hugo Lloris’ record in a championship.
Germany opened the World Cup with a 7-1 win over Curaçao. Manuel Neuer started in goal after several years of absence, and the legendary goalkeeper made history in the match. He became the oldest German player in World Cup history at 40 years old. He takes over the record from Fritz Walter, who was 37 years old in the 1958 World Championships.
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At the same time, it was Neuer’s 20th World Cup game, and only one goalkeeper has also achieved it. France’s Hugo Lloris has the same number, but since he is no longer a regular in the national team, he will not get any more caps. Manuel Neuer will most likely do so, as he is Germany’s first goalkeeper in the current World Cup.
All indications are that Neuer will get the record even when Germany meets Ivory Coast on June 20.
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Manuel Neuer has an impressive 125 caps for Germany.
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