Manuel Neuer has been called up to Germany’s World Cup squad – two years after his international retirement.

The 40-year-old was named as part of Julian Nagelsmann’s 26-man squad for the tournament this summer, having not featured for his country since Euro 2024.

Among the list include Premier League players Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade – both of Newcastle – Arsenal striker Kai Havertz, Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz and Brighton’s Pascal Gross.

Injured duo Serge Gnabry and Anton Stach and forwards Karim Adeyemi, Kevin Schade and Niclas Fullkrug are among those to miss out.

Germany’s World Cup squad in full
Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Alexander Nubel (Stuttgart)

Defenders: Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle)

Midfielders: Pascal Gross (Brighton), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart)

Forwards: Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Galatasaray), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle)

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has opened up on the club’s decision to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager.

The Blues confirmed the Spaniard as their next head coach following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, with Alonso set to take charge ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Mikel had previously been vocal about Chelsea’s managerial philosophy, urging the club’s ownership to move away from short-term head coaches and interim appointments and instead bring in a proper manager with full control over the squad

Speaking on his most recent podcast, Mikel said:

“I am glad the owners listened to me, and listened to the fans.
“Forget about coaches, what we have always had are managers, and what we need is a manager who decides on the players he wants out and the players who can stay.

“We need a strong personality, and that is what we have got now in Alonso.

“That title has been changed from coach to manager, but I hope it’s not just words and he is actually allowed to manage the squad. But I am very happy with the appointment.”

Chelsea are still in the hunt for Europa League football, and a win over Sunderland on the final day of the Premier League season would go a long way in determining whether Alonso inherits a European stage to build on next season.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has disclosed that it receives over 450 domestic violence-related complaints every month through its hotlines, social media platforms, and online channels.

The agency’s executive secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, made the disclosure during a stakeholders’ engagement and technical training organised by the Lagos State Command and Control Centre in Ikeja.

According to her, the agency records between 400 and 450 fresh cases monthly, noting that domestic and sexual violence remain significantly underreported despite the rising number of complaints being received.

“We know we’ve not scratched the surface because these issues remain some of the most under-reported crimes globally, but we are encouraged that more people now have faith in the system,” she said.

Vivour-Adeniyi stated that more survivors are now seeking help through emergency lines, agency offices, and social media platforms.

She explained that the agency operates a 24-hour gender-based violence virtual referral response service in partnership with emergency responders, ensuring that victims can access immediate assistance and psychosocial support at any time through the 203 emergency line.

The DSVA boss stressed that domestic violence goes beyond physical abuse, noting that emotional and verbal abuse are also recognised offences under Lagos State law.

“The fact that the abuse is not physical does not make it less harmful. People should not die in silence,” she said.

She also warned parents against concealing sexual abuse cases involving minors, stressing that failure to report such crimes attracts legal consequences.

According to her, parents found guilty of covering up sexual offences risk up to three years imprisonment under the law.

Vivour-Adeniyi urged families and members of the public to promptly report abuse cases and make use of available support services to ensure survivors receive justice, protection, and proper care.