Ter Stegen returns to Germany after 15 months of doubts

Barça's goalkeeper, Marc-André Ter Stegen, 34, will return this Thursday to Germany's goal after a 15‑month absence, to face the Netherlands in Amsterdam under circumstances he himself described as crazy. Photo: ANNA SZILAGYI / EFE

Ter Stegen is on loan from Barça and is playing this season at Ajax Amsterdam, which will allow him to make his national team debut in his new club's stadium. The feature, carried out by journalist Fernando Gabarró, highlights the uniqueness of his return. His comeback comes in a match against the Netherlands, which will be his first call‑up since June 2025.

Doubts and Recovery

The goalkeeper described his rehabilitation process as a “crazy” experience and admitted that after each injury he began to doubt. “You start to doubt and nothing makes you feel good,” he confessed in the interview given to RTL/Sky.

Despite those uncertainties, Stegen insisted that he never thought he wouldn't play again. He also recalled that “For me it’s always something special to be here.” “I never doubted that I would return, because that’s my mindset,” he said, emphasizing his personal determination.

Late equaliser by Netherlands denies Jürgen Klopp a win in Amsterdam

Recognition of Neuer

At the press conference, when asked whether Manuel Neuer had congratulated him for becoming the new number one, Stegen replied that he had not been in contact. He added that he regards Neuer as “a legend of German football” and wishes him a great end to his career.

Stegen’s last match with Germany was in June 2025, before a series of injuries that kept him away from the World Cup. Those absences reinforced his determination to return to the international level.

Jürgen Klopp, who has closely followed the goalkeeper’s development at Ajax, has backed him as a starter for the German national team. The coach praised his ability to bounce back and his presence in the goal.

Jürgen Klopp trims squad: Hoffenheim striker Conté misses start in Amsterdam

Ter Stegen’s return to Germany’s goal, under the unusual circumstance of playing in his loan club’s stadium, underscores the player’s resilience and sets up a decisive test for both sides in the upcoming clash.