Neuer revelation: He was this close to ending his career this summer | OneFootball

For a long time, it was unclear whether Manuel Neuer would end his career after the 2025–26 season. Throughout the decision-making process, there were many indications that the legendary goalkeeper was, at the very least, giving serious thought to his performance and resilience. 

In the end, the goalkeeper extended his contract by another year. He is now under contract with FC Bayern through 2027 and is expected to ensure that Jonas Urbig is prepared to take over in the new season.

This means that Neuer will hand over a few more games to the young goalkeeper than has been the case so far. At Bayern, they know that for a player like Urbig—who has already shown outstanding performances himself—there is no better mentor than the club veteran.

Neuer was on the verge of retiring

But by the summer of 2027, it will likely be over for good. “I don’t play games thinking, ‘This is my last one’—regardless of whether I might be playing at a particular stadium for the last time. But it certainly looks like I’m going to retire,” he told BILD.

Photo: IMAGO

Neuer returned to the German national team one last time that summer, but couldn’t make much of an impact during the team’s early exit from the tournament against Paraguay. His national team career thus ended on a disappointing note.

Neuer also revealed that he had almost ended his career after last season. At the time, he spent months mulling it over.

“I might have retired in 85 percent of cases, but in this team and with the staff and coaching staff, it’s just fun. We always have a shot at winning every title. We’re right on top of our game as a team. That’s why this team, the squad, and the structure we have at the club are part of the 15 percent that made me say: I definitely have to keep going. It’s just fun,” said the goalkeeper, who now wants to give it his all once again to achieve the highest possible goals.