Since making his national team debut in October of 2024, TSG Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann has always seemed like a temporary solution for the position of Germany goalkeeper.
For years, the spot had been locked down by Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer. Even when Neuer finally retired from international duty after EURO 2024, he had an understudy in FC Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen — who for years had been waiting patiently in the wings.
But succession plans have a way of going awry.
Ter Stegen promptly suffered a patellar tendon rupture that September, leaving national team coach Julian Nagelsmann scrambling for reserves. Baumann was among them; Bayern loanee and VfB Stuttgart’s Alexander Nübel another strong contender. Officially, they were merely keeping the seat warm for Ter Stegen; when the latter returned in June in a semifinal defeat to Portugal, Nagelsmann backed the Barça man.
Only for two more twists to keep the tale spinning.
First, Ter Stegen’s position at Barcelona deteriorated rapidly. The Catalans signed Joan Garcia from Espanyol over the summer, and Barça coach Hansi Flick — who had preceded Nagelsmann at the Germany post, as well as at Bayern before that — froze him out. Ter Stegen still hasn’t made an appearance for Barça this year and Nagelsmann acknowledged that the 33-year-old needed to find playing time.
Second, Vincent Kompany’s Bayern team started the season on an all-devouring tear — with Neuer once again in top form. The veteran’s return from his horrific ski injury after the last World Cup hasn’t been all smooth, but at 39, the German legend is once again captaining Europe’s most dominant side.
Which brings us back to Baumann. The Hoffenheim man has quietly solidified his position among Germany’s non-Neuer, non-Ter Stegen options, turning in immense shot-stopping performances along the way. While he has praised Neuer as still the standard-bearer at his position, Baumann has been the rock at the back for the qualification campaign, building chemistry and establishing locker room bona fides along the way. It’s hard to say he hasn’t earned the job — and hard to say Germany wouldn’t be best served by stable continuity, either.
Nagelsmann, for his part, remains circumspect about Baumann’s chances to be Germany’s No. 1 next summer.
“That depends on many factors. I’m extremely happy with Oli, but it’s not only my decision,” the Germany boss reflected in a press conference ahead of Monday’s 6-0 dismantling of Slovakia (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “I also have very knowledgeable goalkeeping coaches. We decide together. Oli is playing extremely well at the moment and I’m very satisfied with him. But the decision depends on many factors.”
LEIPZIG, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 17: Serge Gnabry of Germany celebrates victory with assistant coach Stefan Wessels, Oliver Baumann and assistent coach Mads Buttgereit of Germany after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Germany and Slovakia at Red Bull Arena on November 17, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) Getty Images
Clearly, it is a topic to punt on for the present. Neuer is still officially retired from the national team; even some teammates don’t feel he is likely to return. And there are whispers that he and the national team coach aren’t on the best terms — with the 2023 sacking of his friend and GKs coach Toni Tapalović from the Bayern staff the rumored lingering sore spot.
In the meantime, too, Joshua Kimmich has assumed the armband and the mantle of leadership — formerly Neuer’s position and one he might be expected to resume should he return. All told, it would be a big change for a team that is only just getting back on track.
Germany has not looked in need of a new goalkeeper, and Baumann has not played like a man who should be anywhere near consideration for demotion. Still, Neuer and Ter Stegen cannot help but cast huge shadows in the background. One will certainly push for his long, long awaited shot, and the other is arguably the greatest of all time. Neuer’s not said yes, and he’s not completely said no, either.
It is a drama Germany, and Nagelsmann, do not need right now. But the question is coming, and after two dismal World Cup group stage exits, the pressure is on for Germany to put its best team forward.