Manuel Neuer to MSV Duisburg?: “I could have played in a possession-based team in the third division.”

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·13 February 2026

Manuel Neuer to MSV Duisburg?: “I could have played in a possession-based team in the third division.”

Shortly before his 40th birthday, Manuel Neuer looked back on his glittering career to date, even stating that he may have been able to play outfield in Germany’s 3. Liga.

On March 27th, the veteran shotstopper will turn 40 and be the 10th player in his position to play in the Bundesliga at that age.

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Neuer is no stranger to playing out from the back, always looking comfortable with the ball at his feet. More often than not, the goalkeeper can be found on the halfway line when his team are on the attack, ready to sniff out a quick counter from the opposition.

During the interview, it was explained that former Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola was even tempted to play Neuer in midfield!

The World Cup winner laughed it off, but did explain he believes he may have been able to play outfield, just not in the Bundesliga.

“I could have played at a lower level,” Neuer pointed out. “In a possession-based team in the third division, for example, that would have been possible. I probably would have lacked a bit of speed, but I could have played at a good level. Perhaps I would have been a centre-back or a defensive midfielder, similar to Javi Martinez.”

Neuer to MSV Duisburg anyone?….

In his twilight years at Bayern and his contract running out at the end of the season, the conversation naturally moved to his eventual successor. Right now, Jonas Urbig is seen as Neuer’s apprentice, with the 22-year-old having already played seven times this season in all competitions.

Whoever the long-term replacement may be, Neuer had some advice to give:

“Be open to new things. Work on your weaknesses. Don’t say: ‘I only play with my right foot.’ These days, you have to be able to play with both feet.”

540 Bundesliga games and counting, Neuer’s legacy at Bayern and in football will never be forgotten.

GGFN | Jamie Allen