Neuer hints retirement as he eyes final Bayern season

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, 40, stepped into the subdued press room at Bayern Munich’s headquarters and told reporters the 2024‑25 campaign looks set to be his last, hinting that retirement is on the horizon.

The comment was made during a formal press moment that sent the club’s supporters into a stir of excitement and uncertainty.

Last season, speculation swirled around Neuer’s future, with pundits and insiders debating whether he would stay at Bayern or withdraw from the German national team, a debate that intensified after Germany’s early exit from the World Cup.

Neuer later confirmed he had extended his expiring contract with Bayern Munich by one year, providing the first official word on his club future after a prolonged period of silence.

Earlier, he had announced his departure from the German national side, only to make a sudden return to the squad and feature at the World Cup.

Germany’s World Cup run ended in disappointment with a round‑of‑16 loss to Paraguay, a defeat that left both the team and Neuer reflecting on what might have been.

After a brief holiday, Neuer returned to training and explained his decision to keep playing: “It’s simply fun. In 85 percent of cases I could have stopped, but with this team, the staff and the technical leadership we always have a chance to fight for every title. We are at our best as a team.”

The upcoming season will be Neuer’s 21st in professional football and is likely to be his final one. He added, “I don’t play the matches with the idea that this is my last game in this stadium or anything. We’ll see, but it looks like I’m going to stop.”

Neuer will take part in four friendly matches before the competitive calendar begins, with the first official test scheduled for 22 August when Bayern Munich face Borussia Dortmund in the German Supercup.