„Quit as a top man“: DFB legend advises Neuer to end his career | OneFootball

Manuel Neuer is facing one of the most difficult decisions of his extraordinary career at FC Bayern. The 39-year-old continues to perform at the highest level, but his contract with the record champions is coming to an end. World champion Pierre Littbarski advises him to end his career – and at the same time brings a DFB comeback into play

After the impressive performance against RB Leipzig, in which Neuer became the secret match winner with several brilliant saves, the debate about his future has flared up again. Now Pierre Littbarski, a former world champion, has clearly positioned himself – and advises Neuer to take a logical step

Littbarski warns against the wrong exit

In his podcast „Littis Einwurf“, the 1990 World Cup winner spoke openly about Neuer’s situation – and drew parallels with his own career. „If you retire as a top player, it’s better than just getting a reprieve,“ explained Littbarski

Words that carry weight, precisely because they come from his own experience. Looking back, the former international was self-critical about his final years as a professional and admitted that he was no longer able to keep up in sporting terms. He said that he „could no longer get past a truck“ when dribbling „because I was simply too slow and too bad“

Littbarski made it clear that there is a point in professional soccer where you have to accept „that you have to stop“. He believes Manuel Neuer has now reached this point – despite his continued impressive performances

photo: IMAGO

Since his transfer in 2011, Neuer has shaped FC Bayern for more than a decade than almost any other player. The goalkeeper has played more than 500 competitive matches for the record champions, won numerous national and international titles and redefined the role of goalkeeper with his style of play. In the current season, Neuer has also shown that he can still make the difference in sporting terms

At the same time, the keeper has emphasized several times recently that his decision will largely depend on his own physical well-being. The club is deliberately not putting any pressure on him. Sporting director Christoph Freund made it clear: „There will be no pressure and no deadline from our side, but an open exchange.“ He also emphasized Neuer’s importance as a leader and mentor, especially for Jonas Urbig, who is being developed as the new number two in the future

World Cup 2026 as the final attraction?

Despite Littbarski’s advice to end his career, another thought is still present: a possible comeback in the German national team. With a view to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, Neuer’s name is repeatedly brought into play. Littbarski can understand this appeal. „As national coach, I would of course try to pack everything imaginable into the team that would bring me closer to the World Cup title,“ he explained

Neuer’s charisma plays a central role in this. „Oliver Baumann naturally doesn’t have the charisma that a Manuel Neuer has,“ said Littbarski openly. In addition, the DFB goalkeeper issue remains unresolved. Marc-André ter Stegen has recently struggled with injuries and is now only a substitute at FC Barcelona. The door for a DFB comeback for Neuer therefore does not appear to be closed

For Neuer, it is no longer just a question of whether he is still able to perform. It is about the right time, about legacy and self-image. Littbarski’s advice is clear, but not disrespectful – on the contrary. It stems from the experience of a player who has hesitated for too long himself.