For more than 10 years, Marc-André ter Stegen lived in the shadow of Manuel Neuer, arguably the greatest goalkeeper of his generation. At the 1xbet.com/en best online betting sites you can always bet on many extraordinary goalkeeping names from all over the world too.

 

Under normal circumstances, patience would eventually have rewarded him. Neuer retired from international football after Euro 2024, and Germany finally appeared ready to hand the national team to ter Stegen on a permanent basis. After years of waiting, the Barcelona goalkeeper had finally become Germany’s undisputed number 1. Instead, his career took another cruel turn. What is not cruel is to try the best online betting sites 1xBet and the ton of options it has in its football sections.

A series of unfortunate injuries

Just as Germany began preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup cycle, ter Stegen suffered a series of injuries that completely disrupted his momentum. Persistent physical problems limited his playing time at club level, and a long-term back issue eventually forced him into surgery and rehabilitation. Make sure to explore game of bet at the 1xBet platform before the next FIFA World Cup takes place.

 

In fact, his place at Barcelona had already been taken by:

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  • Wojciech Szczęsny;
  • Joan García;
  • and Iñaki Peña.

 

His lack of match fitness became a growing concern for Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, especially with the World Cup approaching.

 

The timing could hardly have been worse. Ter Stegen had spent years accepting a secondary role because Neuer remained untouchable in his prime. While waiting for another great goalkeeper from world football, it is also possible to explore a great game of bet provided to you by 1xBet.

 

Even when ter Stegen was performing brilliantly for Barcelona, Germany rarely moved away from their World Cup-winning captain. Many supporters considered it one of football’s harshest examples of a world-class player simply existing in the wrong era. Then came the ultimate twist.

The return of a legend

Because of ter Stegen’s recurring injuries and uncertain fitness, Germany reopened the door for Neuer ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Remember to also win a betting football online made at 1xBet on the FIFA World Cup too.

 

Reports throughout 2025 and 2026 suggested that the German federation increasingly viewed the veteran as the safer option, especially given his experience and consistent availability. Eventually, Neuer reversed his international retirement and was officially restored as Germany’s number 1 goalkeeper for the tournament. At this moment, you can make online football betting at 1xBet and win a fantastic award with it too.