Bayern Munich’s longtime number one goalkeeper Manuel Neuer turned 40 earlier this year, a milestone age that most active footballers won’t see until after they retire. Neuer is one of very few legends that continued playing at his age, but it seems as though he thinks his career is coming to an end.
Speaking from Bayern Munich’s pre-season training camp in Tegernsee, captured by @iMiaSanMia, legendary captain Manuel Neuer opened up about how close he came to ending his career this summer, and signaled
that the upcoming 2026/27 campaign will almost certainly be his last.
The 40-year-old shot-stopper admitted that in “85% of cases,” he would have already retired following the end of last season: “I probably would have retired in 85% of cases, but with this squad, the staff, and the coaching team, it’s simply a joy. We always have the chance to compete for every title. We’re right at the top with this team. That’s why this squad, the team, and the structure we have at the club are part of the 15% that made me say: I definitely have to carry on. It’s just so much fun. I’m doing this for myself because I know I’m still capable of helping the team whenever I’m needed. And I have the full support of my family and friends”
While Neuer made it clear he won’t be treating every matchday as a sentimental farewell tour, he strongly hinted that this contract will mark the conclusion of his historic playing career: “I don’t play matches thinking, ‘This is my last game’ – regardless of whether it may be my final appearance at one stadium or another. But it certainly looks like I’m going to retire.”
As he prepares for his 21st Bundesliga season, Neuer will continue to work closely alongside Jonas Urbig and Sven Ulreich to maintain the highest standards in Bayern’s goalkeeping unit. His successor is yet to be named, but we might already have an idea.
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