Manuel Neuer has indicated that the 2026/27 campaign is expected to be the last of his professional career. The Bayern Munich captain, who recently signed a contract extension until June 2027, said the agreement will most likely mark the end of his time as an active player.

The 40-year-old discussed his future while Bayern were at their pre-season training camp in Tegernsee, Bavaria. Although retirement is now firmly on the horizon, Neuer stressed that he does not intend to approach the season as a farewell tour.

“I don’t play the matches just to say, ‘This is my last game,'” Neuer told reporters. “It doesn’t matter whether this might have been my last time at one stadium or another – we’ll see. It certainly looks very much as though I’m going to retire.”

Bayern captain remains focused on winning trophies

Even with retirement drawing closer, Neuer made it clear that his attention remains on helping Bayern compete for every available title.

The veteran goalkeeper equalled the record with his 13th Bundesliga triumph last season. However, his biggest ambition is to add another UEFA Champions League title to his collection after Bayern’s European campaign ended in the semi-finals against Paris Saint-Germain.

“Our goals are all the goals we can achieve,” Neuer said. “We want to beat everyone, and I believe with this team we have the potential to reach every goal.”

Bayern preparing for life after Neuer

Bayern Munich have already started planning for the future in the goalkeeping department. The club sees 22-year-old Jonas Urbig as a long-term option, and Neuer has embraced a mentoring role during the transition.

Jonas Urbig
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Jonas Urbig | X [Bundesliga]

Rather than viewing the youngster as competition, the experienced goalkeeper is working closely with Urbig while continuing to train alongside long-serving backup Sven Ulreich.

“We’ll support one another. We’ve got a strong goalkeeping squad, including Ulle and the young goalkeepers. The important thing is that we help each other, push each other, and give our best for the team.”

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A career that transformed modern goalkeeping

When Neuer eventually brings his playing career to an end, he will leave behind one of the most decorated records in football. Across more than 540 appearances for Bayern Munich, he helped the club win two European trebles and established himself as one of the defining players of his generation.

His influence stretched beyond trophies. Neuer changed expectations of the modern goalkeeper by combining elite shot-stopping with exceptional distribution and confidence on the ball. His willingness to leave the penalty area, break up attacks early and begin moves from deep became a defining feature of his style.

Final international appearance came at the 2026 World Cup

Neuer had already retired from Germany duty after Euro 2024, but he made a surprise return for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. During the tournament, he produced several important saves and delivered strong performances in most matches. However, Germany’s group-stage defeat to Ecuador proved costly, with two unsuccessful attempts to rush off his line leading directly to goals.

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Despite that difficult outing, Neuer recovered well and later saved a penalty in Germany’s Round of 32 shootout defeat to Paraguay. Shortly after the tournament concluded, he confirmed that his brief international comeback had ended and returned to retirement from the national team.

FAQs

When will Manuel Neuer retire?

Manuel Neuer said he is likely to retire after the 2026/27 season, which is expected to be the final year of his Bayern Munich contract.

Who could replace Manuel Neuer at Bayern Munich?

Bayern Munich view 22-year-old Jonas Urbig as the long-term successor, with Neuer already helping mentor the young goalkeeper.