Neuer hints 2026/27 will be his farewell season at Bayern

Legendary German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer announced at Bayern Munich’s preseason camp in Tegernsee that the 2026/27 Bundesliga season will be his last with the club, signalling his intention to retire after that campaign and bringing his club career to a close at age 40.

The 40‑year‑old veteran, who has already retired from the German national team twice, used the Tegernsee camp to underline that his club career will end after the 2026/27 campaign. He said he took his retirement hint with a proverbial “grain of salt”. The statement leaves little doubt about his plans.

Neuer repeatedly brushed off speculation about a return to the German national team for the World Cup, yet he accepted coach Julian Nagelsmann’s invitation to lace up again for the national side. The invitation shows his willingness to contribute if needed, even as he eyes his club farewell.

He returned to Bayern Munich’s preseason training following Germany’s World Cup elimination, marking his first clear indication that his club career may conclude after the upcoming season. The goalkeeper is set to embark on his 21st Bundesliga campaign with the club.

Neuer admitted the national team’s tournament exit was difficult to process, but he welcomed the chance to focus on new objectives with Bayern. He remains convinced that Vincent Kompany’s squad possesses the quality to compete for every available trophy.

He expressed satisfaction with Bayern’s summer recruitment, noting the club had not lost any indispensable members of last season’s starting XI. The stability, he said, reinforces the team’s ambition across all competitions.

Neuer revealed that Bayern’s present environment convinced him to continue playing for another year. “I might have stopped in 85 percent of cases,” he said, adding that with the team, staff and coaching crew it is simply fun and there is always the opportunity to compete for every title. After this season, it looks very much like he will stop.

He expects his relationship with goalkeeper Jonas Urbig to continue as it did last season and stressed that Bayern’s goalkeepers, including Sven Ulreich and younger prospects, will keep supporting and challenging each other. “The important thing is that we help each other and push each other,” he added, “so that we can always give the team the best possible performance in goal.”

Looking ahead, Neuer aims to contribute his experience to Bayern’s title chase in what is likely his final Bundesliga season, while mentoring the next generation of keepers. His continued presence should provide stability as the club targets domestic and European success.