Neuer still has the class and experience to lead Germany’s World Cup charge, says Khairul Fahmi
FORMER national goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mar believes veteran shot-stopper Manuel Neuer still has what it takes to perform at the highest level and lead Germany’s pursuit of World Cup glory despite being 40 years old.
With questions continuing to surround Neuer’s age ahead of football’s biggest tournament, Khairul Fahmi, fondly known as Apek, dismissed concerns that the Bayern Munich legend could struggle on the global stage.
According to the Kelantanese born shot stopper, experience remains one of the goalkeeper’s biggest assets, and Germany possess enough quality throughout the squad to support their veteran No. 1.
“I don’t think there will be any problem for Neuer,” Khairul Fahmi said when contacted by theSun.
In his first appearance at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, the German goalkeeper conceded one goal during his team’s demolition of Curacao 7-1 at Houston Stadium, Texas, US today.
The result firmly put Die Mannschaft at the top of Group E in their bid to qualify for the knockout stage after failing to do so in the previous edition.
When asked about the chance of becoming the first-choice custodian, Khairul Fahmi believes Neuer can still perform well while pointing out age is often less of a limiting factor for goalkeepers.
“We can see from his performances with his club that he is still playing well. With the quality of players Germany have around him, I believe he can still perform at the highest level. Goalkeepers are different. Even though he is already 40, he can still perform.
“We have seen goalkeepers continue playing beyond the age of 40. Gianluigi Buffon played at a high level into his 40s, while Edwin van der Sar was still performing and winning major trophies at that age.”
Neuer, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation, revolutionised the position with his sweeping style and ability to initiate attacks from deep.
The German has enjoyed a decorated career that includes a World Cup triumph in 2014, multiple Bundesliga titles and Champions League success with Bayern Munich.
Khairul Fahmi, 37, believes Germany remain one of the strongest contenders for the World Cup title due to their tactical discipline, tournament pedigree and depth across the squad.
He said Germany’s blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents could prove decisive when the competition reaches its latter stages.
“I have always supported Germany. I think Germany have a very good chance of becoming champions. They have big names in the team and we know the tactical knowledge and football culture they possess.”
However, Khairul Fahmi expects Germany to face stiff competition from France, whom he identified as another leading favourite for the title.
The 2018 world champions boast an array of elite talents across every department and continue to be regarded as one of the most complete teams in international football.
“Germany or France are my choices to win the World Cup. If we look at the players France have called up, they have many top players. They have quality all over the pitch and they will definitely be among the strongest challengers.”
While many football supporters are focusing on the traditional European powerhouses, Khairul Fahmi also highlighted Japan as a potential dark horse capable of springing surprises during the tournament.
The Samurai Blue have steadily established themselves as one of Asia’s strongest footballing nations and have earned a reputation for upsetting bigger teams on the international stage.
“I think Japan will be the dark horse. They are a team that can create surprises.”
Japan will be represented by a hosts of global superstars who played their football outside the country including Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo, Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, and top-scoring forward Ayase Ueda of Feyenoord.
